Kent District Library and the KDL Board of Trustees are proud to offer a $5,000 KDL Community Impact Scholarship to recognize high school seniors and adults returning to school who have worked hard to improve their communities and show potential to make long term impact. Both trade-bound and college-bound students are eligible to apply.
Strong candidates will be students who are passionate about making a difference, champions for inclusivity, innovators at heart and lifelong learners with a love for the library. These guidelines were shaped by those of the Library Journal Jerry Kline Award, an award KDL received in 2023 that afforded KDL the opportunity to begin this scholarship fund. All candidates must live within the KDL service area.
“Our mission at Kent District Library has always been to empower and uplift our community through education and opportunity,” said Andrew Erlewein, Chair of the Kent District Library Board of Trustees. “By launching this Community Impact Scholarship, we’re thrilled to provide direct support to individuals in our area who are ready to pursue their dreams through college or trade school. We believe this scholarship can make a meaningful difference in the lives of recipients and in the community as a whole.”
Applications will be accepted online at kdl.org/scholarship from December 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025. Applications will include a form, two letters of recommendation, accepted enrollment letter, a library card number and optional supporting materials. Up to three scholarships will be given this year.
The scholarship recipient(s) will be chosen based on their overall impact on the community and alignment with the scholarship criteria as displayed in their responses by the KDL Board of Trustees. Winner(s) will be announced May 1, 2025. The scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be disbursed directly to the recipient's chosen college, university or trade school to be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.
For more information, visit kdl.org/scholarship.
