The Kiwanis Club of Bradford has established the Kiwanis Club of Bradford Scholarship Fund as an endowed fund at the McKean County Community Foundation.

From left are Stacy Williams, President of the Kiwanis Club of Bradford; Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the McKean County Community Foundation; Nancy Dryden, Kiwanis Club of Bradford member; and Mark Young, President-Elect of the Kiwanis Club of Bradford

The Kiwanis scholarships, along with more than 65 additional McKean County scholarship funds held at the Foundation, will be open for applications from January 15 through February 25, 2027. All scholarship applications are submitted through an online portal that can be accessed through the Foundation's website at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org.

For many years, the Kiwanis Club of Bradford has awarded scholarships to Bradford Area High School students through the McKean County Community Foundation as pass-through scholarships. By establishing an endowed fund, the club is ensuring that these scholarship opportunities will continue to benefit local students for generations to come. The Kiwanis Club has entrusted the scholarships to be administered and awarded through the McKean County Community Foundation on an annual basis.

"We are honored that the Kiwanis Club of Bradford has chosen to entrust the McKean County Community Foundation with the long-term stewardship of these scholarships," said Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the McKean County Community Foundation.

"When an organization establishes an endowed scholarship fund, it demonstrates a commitment not only to today's students, but to future generations as well. The Kiwanis Club has been a valued partner of the Foundation for many years, and we look forward to continuing to grow this fund to ensure that Bradford Area High School students will benefit from these scholarship opportunities for years to come."

The endowed fund will support two scholarship opportunities for Bradford Area High School students pursuing post-secondary education and career training.

The Richard Dana Benton/Bradford Kiwanis Scholarship is intended for graduating seniors pursuing a degree in Education or Social Studies, History, or Political Science. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit, be active in school and community activities, and submit essays describing their educational and career goals and highlighting what makes Bradford a special place to call home.

The Kiwanis Club of Bradford/BAHS Key Club Technical Scholarship is designed to recognize students who exemplify Kiwanis values of academic and technical excellence, community involvement, service, and integrity. The scholarship is open to seniors pursuing a post-secondary degree or certificate through a university or technical school. Preference will be given to Key Club members. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, provide proof of certification in a technical field offered through Bradford Area High School, submit references, and complete an essay outlining their career goals and educational plans.

The Richard Dana Benton/Bradford Kiwanis Scholarship is intended to provide a $500 award, while the Kiwanis Club of Bradford/BAHS Key Club Technical Scholarship is intended to provide a $1,000 award. Scholarship amounts may vary based on available annual earnings from the endowed fund.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations who wish to support the Kiwanis Club of Bradford Scholarship Fund may make tax-deductible contributions through the McKean County Community Foundation. Gifts to the endowed fund will help grow the scholarship and ensure that future generations of Bradford Area High School students have access to educational opportunities. Donations may be mailed to the McKean County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 708, Bradford, PA 16701, or made online at www.mckeancountyfoundation.org.

The McKean County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit organization that strives to strengthen our region through development, stewardship and grantmaking as it collaborates with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals.