The Kiwanis Scholarship Fund was founded in 1965 by a few generous Kiwanians who wanted to provide some funds to help needy local high school graduates further their education.

Ever since then, this 501(c)(3) tax exempt fund has provided scholarship money to over 150 students to further their education at community and four-year colleges. In 1980, the Kiwanis Scholarship Fund created an endowment at the Henderson County Community Foundation to insure that there would always be money available to fund student scholarships. This fund has grown every year with donations from Kiwanians as well as funds raised through Kiwanis projects.

Benefits - The annual income from the Community Foundation Kiwanis Endowment together with annual donations from the Hendersonville Kiwanis Club and its members now provide at least one scholarship each year. The annual award is equivalent to the average first year tuition and required fees of a mid-level North Carolina State College plus an allowance for books.

The amount of the scholarship varies from year to year. For the 2008-2009 academic year the scholarship will be $5,000. In addition, the fund annually gives a $250 award to an outstanding senior student at each Henderson County High School, and $1,000 for the Hugh Lockaby Scholarship at Blue Ridge Community College which is awarded based on merit to a student entering his/her second year to assist them in continuing their education.

Applicants - Applicants are evaluated on their academic achievement, school and community activities, a written essay on why the student should be awarded the scholarship, written recommendations from others and financial need. Scholarship requirements and applications are available at each high school guidance office, or by contacting Dr. Helen Owen, President, Hendersonville Kiwanis Club Scholarship Fund, at 697-4514, or by email to info@HendersonvilleKiwanis.org.