The Kiwanis Club of West Palm Beach Foundation, Inc. offers one of the largest scholarship programs in Florida, awarding $300,000 per year.  The Foundation has distributed more than $6.7 million in scholarships since 1970.  

The Foundation is committed to academic excellence.  The goal is to help students who carry at least a 3.0 grade point average; have demonstrated good citizenship and community responsibility; and who have financial need.  Family income over $75,000 may reduce your chances of receiving a scholarship award.  Copies of parents’ and students’ income tax returns are mandatory as is a current tax bill or property tax assessment.  Awards vary in size depending on the cost of the school and the student’s financial need but usually range from $2,500 to $4,000 annually.  All grants are made without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. 

To be eligible, students must plan to attend college or a post-secondary educational program full-time.  High school students must currently live AND attend a high school within the Palm Beach County geographic area described as north to PGA Boulevard, west to Lake Okeechobee and south to Hypoluxo Road.   

Very Important Note:  The application this year is a Google Form.  To upload any files, such as letters of recommendation, you must have a Gmail account.  If you need a Gmail account, this link shows how to create the account from Google:  https://support.google.com/mail/answer/56256?hl=en.  This account is free.

 

FRESHMAN APPLICANTS: 

1. Completed appropriate sections of Application

2. General Statement/Essay - Describing you personally as a prospective college student and a future member of your community. Your essay should include (but not limited to) why you wish to go to college, your objectives, what you intend to do after college, and why you chose the colleges to which you are applying to or will attend. 

3. Two reference letters from non-family members as to applicant’s overall qualifications, leadership, and/or community service involvement 

4. A detailed resume that includes community service/volunteer activities and leadership experience 

5. Official transcript of high school grades (seven semesters) including SAT/ ACT test score 

6. Official transcript of college grades to date if you are already enrolled in college 

7. Copy of your most recent Income Tax Return (if applicable) – pages 1 & 2 and Schedule A only - redact all Social Security Numbers 

8. If you are claimed as a dependent, a copy of your parents’ or guardians’ most recent Income Tax Return – pages 1 & 2 and Schedule A only - redact all Social Security Numbers 

9. Copy of your parents’ or guardians’ current tax bill or property tax assessment, if they are homeowners 

10. Other information you believe would be of assistance to the Kiwanis Foundation in acting on your application 

RETURNING RECIPIENTS & GRADUATE APPLICANTS: 

1. Completed appropriate sections of Application. 

2. Personal statement that includes information about yourself, your interests, what your long- and short-term goals are, how your academic and personal year has gone, and any additional information you think the committee should know 

3. Two reference letters from non-family members as to applicant’s overall qualifications, leadership, and/or community service involvement 

4. A detailed resume that includes community service/volunteer activities and leadership experience 

5. Official transcript of college credits, grades, and GPA 

6. Copy of your most recent Income Tax Return (if applicable) – pages 1 & 2 and Schedule A only - redact all Social Security Numbers 

7. If you are claimed as a dependent, a copy of your parents’ or guardians’ most recent Income Tax Return (if applicable) – pages 1 & 2 and Schedule A only - redact all Social Security Numbers 

8. Copy of your, your parents’ or guardians’ current tax bill or property tax assessment, if any of you are homeowners 

9. Other information you believe would be of assistance to the Kiwanis Foundation in acting on your application