Overview
The Cropley Scholarship is a flagship award of the Kenosha Community Foundation (KCF). Established to honor the legacy of longtime supporter and philanthropist, John D. Cropley, the scholarship provides financial assistance to highschool seniors who plan to pursue a postsecondary education in the Kenosha area. Each year, a select group of students receives a grant that can be applied toward tuition, books, fees, or other qualified expenses.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is intentionally broad to reflect the Foundations commitment to equity and community development. Applicants must:
- Be a resident of Kenosha County or attend a Kenoshabased high school.
- Have graduated or be scheduled to graduate from high school in the current academic year.
- Demonstrate a clear plan for postsecondary educationwhether at a college, university, trade school, or community college.
- Show financial need, as determined by the FAFSA or a similar financialaid assessment.
- Exhibit community involvement, leadership, or a commitment to service.
There is no GPA cutoff, but a strong academic record can strengthen an application.
Application Process
The application window opens each spring and closes in early summer. Follow these steps to submit a complete packet:
- Online Registration: Create an account on the KCF scholarship portal.
- Personal Statement: Write a 500word essay describing your educational goals, why you deserve the Cropley Scholarship, and how you plan to give back to the Kenosha community.
- Letters of Recommendation: Provide two lettersone from a teacher or counselor and another from a community leader, employer, or coach.
- Academic Records: Upload official transcripts or a copy of your senior report card.
- Financial Documentation: Submit the most recent FAFSA or a detailed household income statement.
- Optional Portfolio: If applying for a creative or technical program, include a brief portfolio or project summary.
All materials must be uploaded via the portal; paper submissions are not accepted.
Selection Criteria
The Cropley Scholarship Committee evaluates applications on four main pillars:
- Academic Potential: Evidence of readiness for collegelevel work.
- Financial Need: Demonstrated ability to benefit from monetary assistance.
- Community Impact: Past and future contributions to Kenosha.
- Personal Vision: Clarity of career goals and how education will help achieve them.
Final decisions are announced in late August, and award letters are emailed directly to recipients.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Cropley Scholarship is a grantnot a loanso the award does not need to be repaid. Funds can be used for:
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Books, supplies, and lab equipment
- Transportation to campus
- Living expenses (if the student is living away from home)
Each recipient may receive up to $5,000 per academic year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on academic progress.
Alumni Success Stories
Since its inception in 2008, the Cropley Scholarship has helped more than 200 students graduate from institutions ranging from fouryear universities to specialized trade schools. Some highlights:
- Maria Torres 21 Earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and now works at St. Josephs Hospital in Kenosha.
- Jordan Lee 22 Received an Associates Degree in Automotive Technology from Kenosha Technical College and operates his own repair shop.
- Emily Patel 23 Completed a Masters in Public Policy at the University of Chicago; she now serves on the city councils youth advisory board.
These stories illustrate how the scholarship not only eases financial pressure but also encourages recipients to become leaders in their community.
How to Support the Cropley Scholarship
Donations to the Cropley Scholarship Fund keep the award sustainable. Contributions can be made by:
- Individual donors through the KCF online giving portal.
- Local businesses sponsoring a specific award or matching donations.
- Alumni who wish to give back to future scholars.
All gifts are taxdeductible and directly increase the number of scholarships available each year.
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility, application deadlines, or donation options, please reach out to the scholarship team:
Email: scholarships@kenoshacf.org
Phone: (262) 5550198
Mailing Address: Kenosha Community Foundation, 1010 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 200, Kenosha, WI 53140
