John III has become the first recipient of the Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship at Bucknell University, a program created by The Home Depot’s co-founder Ken Langone and his wife, Elaine Langone. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room, and board for up to five students at Bucknell who are either associates of The Home Depot or children or grandchildren of associates. This initiative coincides with Ken Langone’s 90th birthday.
John III’s father, John Sr., works as an appliance sales specialist at a Home Depot store in New York and graduated from Bucknell in 1988. He described his son’s journey to the university as a “whirlwind,” saying it felt like “lightning was striking multiple times”—from applying to Bucknell, being accepted, joining the Freeman School of Management, and finally receiving the scholarship.
For John Sr., seeing his son attend his alma mater is significant. He noted changes on campus since his time there, including new buildings named after Langone. “I’m grateful that he gets to be a part of the program,” John Sr. said. He added that the scholarship is “above and beyond what we could ever anticipate.” According to him, it made attending Bucknell possible for John III.
John III said receiving the scholarship felt like destiny. After being admitted to Bucknell and considering a major in finance, he learned about the scholarship connected to Ken Langone and realized its significance for his family. “It means a lot to be recognized for my academic achievements,” he said. The support allows him to pursue personal goals and he feels “incredibly honored” by the recognition. At college, John III has joined activities such as student manager for the basketball team and membership in the Bison Finance Society, aligning with his interest in working on the business side of sports.
John Sr. encouraged other Home Depot associates to take advantage of available opportunities: “There’s no reason not to apply,” he stated, referencing programs designed for associates and their families.
The Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship represents more than financial assistance for John III’s family; it marks an opportunity rooted in hard work and their ongoing connection with The Home Depot.
