Each year the Kent Community Foundation offers scholarships to Kent area high school seniors. After a spring application process, we select scholarships recipients and present the awards at a May scholarship awards ceremony, done in conjunction with other local organizations including Rotary Club of Kent, Kent Sunrise Rotary, Kent Area PTSA Council, Valley Girls & Guys, and Kent Schools Foundation.
Kent Community Foundation Scholarships
Audrey Rose Sells Scholarship Created in memory of Audrey Rose Sells by her family. Scholarships awarded to help young women, looking to further their education and give back to their community.
Diego Moreno Scholarship This scholarship was created in memory of Diego Moreno, who was killed in the line of duty in 2018. Awards made to a Kent student who has demonstrated a commitment to serving their community and intends to use their education to make the world a better place. Priority will be given to students who have demonstrated a commitment to influencing their communities positively and deliberately.
Gail Gese Memorial Scholarship This Scholarship was created in memory of Gail Gese, by friends and co-workers wanting to continue her legacy. Gail's tragic death left a lasting impact on the community of Kent. This scholarship will be awarded to applicants whose educational goals will lead them to a career path with community based organizations that work across the spectrum of behavior health.
Jan Louise Quitoriano Memorial Scholarship The Jan Louise Quitoriano Scholarship was created by friends and family in memory of Jan. This scholarship will be awarded to a student that shows their determination, as exemplified by Jan as he continued to focus on his education despite his battle with cancer.
Jim McGinnis Scholarship for KM Grads (formerly the Friends of KM Scholarship) This scholarship was renamed in memory of longtime board member Jim McGinnis, who was instrumental to our success and growth. McGinnis had a passion for community, especially for art and education. Your donation will help us create an endowment fund to allow Kent-Meridian High School students, who might not otherwise be able to afford it, the opportunity to attend college.
Johnson/Stoddard/Osness (JSO) Scholarship Established by Jim Osness in memory of his parents and grandparents, to support secondary education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Priority given to students that are the first in their family to attend college.
Kent Chamber of Commerce Scholarship This scholarship was previously named the East Hill Community Organization(EHCO) and first awarded in 1987. Scholarships awarded to students attending two year college or vocational/technical institute in state of Washington, including trade & apprenticeship programs.
Linda Ruby Scholarship This scholarship was created in Memory of Linda Ruby a teacher & counsellor in the Kent School District. Awarded to graduates of Kent School District pursuing a career in teaching. Students who have been awarded this scholarship may reapply.
Mike Simmons Memorial Scholarship This scholarship was created by family and friends in memory of Mike Simmons to support students who have demonstrated determination to overcome struggles with behavior, academics, and making good decisions. Must be a graduating senior from Kent-Meridian High School.
Pat Butler Scholarship Pat Butler Scholarship has been created in her memory by her husband Ted Butler. This Scholarship will be awarded to a Kent student who has demonstrated their determination to overcome hardship and how they intend to help others overcome their obstacles. Students who have been awarded this scholarship may reapply.
Richard and Ina Balash Scholarship This scholarship was created by Richard and Ina Balash to support students pursuing Business or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics). Priority is given to students with mid-range GPA who have continued to show improvement. Students who have been awarded this scholarship may reapply.
Rob Osborne Scholarship This Scholarship was created in Memory of Rob, an athlete at Kent-Meridian High School. Available to graduating seniors at Kent-Meridian High School who have participated and excelled in school sports.
Thunderbird Community Sports Foundation The TCSF Scholarship was created by the Thunderbird Community Sports Foundation to allow students an opportunity to pursue sports-related fields of study in college or university. Students who are already enrolled in a postsecondary institution may apply including those who have previously received the scholarship.
Other Community Scholarships
Emiko Craig Scholarship -The Kent Schools Foundation administers the Emiko Craig Scholarship. In memory, of Emiko Craig, a local resident who enjoyed attending plays and concerts at Kent School Distict Schools. Up to four, $2500 scholarships are awarded annual to recognize graduating students who look to continue their education and training in the arts (broadly defined to include performing arts, fine arts, music, literature, film, television, drawing, painting, sculpture, vocal/instrumental music, industrial and technical arts, etc.).
Kent Area Council PTA Scholarship The PTA mission is to provide leadership development, information and community services to the local PTA leaders at PTA’s in Kent School District schools, so we can collectively support the education and well-being of every child in the district. Up to 5 scholarships are awarded annually. Marge & Harry Williams Scholarship Sunrise Rotary Club has provided, since 2008, scholarships for students pursuing an education in a two or four year vocational/technical program (welder, electrician, nurses aid, ultrasound or X-ray technician, equipment operators, etc.). In honor of the life and dedication of long-time Kent Rotary club members Marge & Harry Williams, Kent Sunrise Rotary awards an annual scholarship designated for a student seeking vocation/technical education. Rotary Club of Kent Scholarship Rotarians have served the greater Kent Community since 1958. For more than 40 years, Kent Rotary has awarded scholarships to graduates of the Kent School District, both for academic achievement and for pursuit of career and technical education.
Valley Girls & Guys Scholarship Valley Girls and Guys are actively raising money year round to not only fight cancer, but to help patients and their families during treatment. We are changing and saving lives EVERY DAY! They fund up to 4 scholarships annually to help those students, whose lives have been affected by cancer, achieve their academic goals.