The Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy scholarship, awarded on behalf of the YMCA of Central Florida (Website) and the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, has officially opened for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) seniors planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in the fall of 2024.
Kennedy came to Orlando in 1928 and was elected as the first African American on City Council in 1973 and he won his campaign for second term with 78% of the vote. He was an advocate for education and served as president of the Jones High School PTA, and was involved with the United Negro College Fund and the NAACP.
Multiple awards will be dished out under the scholarship program in his honor, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 based on the strength of each individual application. Requirements for students interested in applying for this scholarship include:
- Participation in school leadership activities and/or extra-curricular programs and strong volunteer/charitable service record
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or better
- Two letters of recommendation from your high school counselors, teachers church leader, or mentor
- 500–750-word essay
The application closes October 12 and winners will be announced on November 12. To learn more or apply for this scholarship, click HERE.
