Since 2006, more than 240 students have received transformative scholarships to attend Bishop Lynch High School. Behind these gifts are Andy and Jackie Schwitter and their family, who saw that some students needed additional financial assistance and set out to fill the gap by creating the Bridges Scholarship Fund at CFT.
In addition to their scholarship fund, the family partners with CFT on their charitable giving through their donor-advised fund, the Schwitter Family Fund. They are also proud members of CFT’s legacy society, the Live Oak Society.
One thing that makes the Bridges Scholarship special is its focus on helping students “in the middle” — those who work hard and earn B’s or C’s but show potential. “Kids just need a chance. When they’re given an opportunity, they almost always succeed,” said Andy Schwitter.
The scholarship began as a single four-year award for incoming freshmen, later expanding to multiple awards. It eventually grew to include support for juniors at risk of not being able to afford to return for their senior year, helping to ensure they can graduate with their classmates instead of having to transfer to a new school. They also now support Bishop Lynch High School alumni with college scholarships.
Andy and Jackie’s adult children, who attended Bishop Lynch High School, now participate in selecting scholarship recipients, witnessing firsthand the impact of their parents’ generosity. Over time, the annual scholarship cycle has become a cherished family tradition.
While their giving was initially anonymous to students, the Schwitters now enjoy visiting Bishop Lynch to reveal scholarship winners through “Prize Patrol” visits with CFT. “It’s one of our favorite days of the year,” Jackie said. “Seeing the students’ shock and joy, and the relief of their parents, is incredible.”
The family receives letters from the students, and enjoys following their educational journeys. “The recipients have gone on to become nurses, doctors, teachers, therapists, and professionals in marketing and finance. They’ve followed their passions and used their education to build meaningful lives,” said Jackie.
Learn more about scholarship funds at CFT here.
This story was originally featured in our 2025 annual report. For additional details and content, click here.
