FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 15, 2024) — Each year scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) who demonstrate exemplary academic success, leadership and community service at the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast. Applications for the scholarship are open now through Nov. 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, submit two letters of recommendation and a 500-750 word typed essay. Additionally, these students actively participate in school leadership, 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, City of Orlando MLK Commission and the YMCA of Central Florida on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. This occasion 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.
About the YMCA of Central Florida
Driven by its Christian mission, the YMCA of Central Florida serves as a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to strengthening the community. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake and Marion Counties. To learn more, visit ymcacf.org and follow on Facebook or Instagram.