Rotary Club of Portland Foundation - Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship 2025
Description
Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship Application Instructions
We are pleased to announce the application opening for the Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship, now in its 28th year. This scholarship celebrates Neil Kelly, a distinguished business owner and dedicated Rotarian who valued education and community advocacy in inner North/Northeast Portland. It offers a $4,000 annual grant, renewable for three additional years, totaling up to $16,000, contingent upon the recipient's ongoing academic progress.
Eligibility Criteria:
Residence within North/Northeast Portland, bordered by NE 42nd Ave., the Willamette River, I-84, and the Columbia River.
Minimum GPA of 2.75.
Demonstrated active involvement in community service and school activities.
Note: Applications from students living outside the designated area will not be considered.
Please be prepared to provide the following information by the application deadline of April 30th, 2025:
School and Academic Information.
Current and Official Transcript.
Projected College Expenses.
Projected Available Resources and Income.
Community Service, Extracurricular, and Work Experience.
Three Letters of Recommendation.
Personal Statement.
Resume.
Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. Ensure all parts of your application are complete and submitted by the deadline.
Additional Information: We encourage applicants to also learn about Rotary International. Founded in 1905, Rotary is a global network of community volunteers committed to humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and peace worldwide. Its notable initiatives include the PolioPlus program, aimed at eradicating polio.
Awards Presentation: We will award four scholarships at the Annual Neil Kelly Memorial Awards on June 3rd, 2025.
If you have any questions about the scholarship contact [email protected]
Selection Process
How We Select Students
Application Review Process: Applications are thoroughly reviewed by our committee based on the submitted materials. Candidates selected for further consideration will be invited for an in-person interview. The four final recipients of the scholarship will be notified by phone.
Selection Criteria:
Academic Performance:
Coursework: We evaluate the rigor of your high school courses to determine if they have adequately prepared you for your intended college studies.
Standardized Tests: SAT and/or ACT scores are considered as part of your academic assessment.
Community Service:
We look for students who actively contribute to their communities. Describe your involvement in activities that benefit others and the impact of these activities.
Extracurricular Activities:
Detail the activities you engage in, both inside and outside of school. We are interested in how these activities align with and reflect your interests in your intended field of study.
Work Experience and Family Responsibilities:
We value contributions like caring for siblings or elders and engaging in activities that strengthen family bonds. We also recognize employment that supplements your family's income. Please describe the nature and scope of your responsibilities.
Letters of Recommendation:
References should come from school personnel, current or previous employers, or a family friend. Please advise your referees to limit their letters to one page.
Financial Need:
Although all college-bound students today face financial challenges, we pay special attention to those demonstrating significant need with limited resources.