Melissa Finegan Student-Athlete Scholarship
2024-2025

Student-Athlete Scholarship Application

Ms. Melissa Finegan was KIPP Heritage Academy’s Founding Physical Education Teacher and Athletics Director. In her six years with our school (2014-2020), Ms. Finegan was an incredible teacher, coach, and friend to all. She helped others see the best in themselves and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Ms. Finegan consistently believed in her students and the futures they would lead. This scholarship is a gift from her family to honor her legacy and her belief in students. The scholarship of $1250 will be awarded to support undergraduate study for a Heritage alumnus who is graduating high school.

Application Eligibility: 

  • First generation college student 
  • KIPP Heritage alumnus who is graduating high school by summer 2025
  • KIPP Heritage alumnus who participated in Heritage athletics in middle school
  • Plans to attain a bachelor’s degree
  • Enrolled full time in a community college or university beginning fall 2025
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Ongoing Qualifications:  

  • Full time enrollment in a community college or university in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
  • Notify of any changes in address, school enrollment, university standing, or other relevant information.
  • Provide a complete official transcript, course enrollment schedule, and substantiation of funding usage when requested.
  • Continuing full-time enrollment and good standing with the university.

Financial Support: 

  • $1250
  • Substantiation of scholarship funding spent on relevant educational-related expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies etc. may be requested.

Timeline: 

  • Written applications sent to amy.tran@kippnorcal.org are due by April 18, 2025. Please mention “Student-Athlete Scholarship Application” in the email subject line.
  • Award recipients will be notified in May. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Please complete:

  • Name: 
  • Contact details, including email, phone number, and address:
  • Intended college/university:
  • Intended area of study or major:

Please provide copies of:

  • Current, complete transcript of grades.
  • Valid ID or passport.
  • High school diploma once received.
  • Verification of university enrollment once finalized.

Please submit a written description of the following (limited to a maximum of 2 single spaced pages):

  • Background, such as experiences, community engagement, family, activities, and interests.
  • Athletic team(s) you participated in while at KIPP Heritage.
  • Challenges or adversities overcome, or impact of the athletic experience(s) you had.
  • Future educational and career vision, aspirations, and motivations.

**We are thankful to Ms. Finegan’s family for establishing this scholarship in her memory.**