Each year scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) backgrounds who demonstrate exemplary academic success, leadership and community service at the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast. Applications for the scholarship are open now through November 8 to qualifying students.
“Scholarships are a life-changing opportunity giving support and alleviating some of the financial burden that low-income students face when obtaining higher education,” said Kevin Bolding, president and CEO of YMCA of Central Florida. “The Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Scholarship creates an equitable opportunity for students who need the support to receive a valuable education.”
Qualified students will hold an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit two letters of recommendation and a 500-750 word typed essay. Additionally, these students should actively participate in school leadership, and extracurricular activities and have a strong volunteer service record.
Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Arthur Pappy Kennedy Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Pappy Kennedy Family, Southwest Orlando Jaycees, the City of Orlando MLK Commission, and the YMCA of Central Florida on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
The event celebrates the scholarship recipients, sponsors, and the impact of Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy in our community as the first African-American City Council member in Orlando. Scholarships of up to $2,000 will be awarded to minority high school seniors attending accredited post-secondary institutions, trade schools, certificate programs and other higher education opportunities in Fall 2025, helping cover expenses associated with these programs.
To apply or learn more about the scholarship, click HERE.