Community Impact Scholarship

By WKTV Staff

Kent District Library and the KDL Board of Trustees are proud to announce the two recipients of the KDL Community Impact Scholarship. Jamie Elgrably and Ania Fleszar will each receive $5,000 to further their education.

The award recognizes high school seniors and adults returning to school who have worked hard to improve their communities and show potential to make long term impact. Both trade-bound and college-bound students were eligible to apply.

“An incredible blessing”

Scholarship winner Jamie Elgrably (Courtesy, KDL)

Elgrably, of Kentwood, is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Cornerstone University, with hopes of continuing on to earn a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

She is a wife and a mother of two, and after putting her education on hold for many years due to life circumstances—including several moves and raising young children—she finally decided to pursue her dream.

Elgrably said, “Receiving this scholarship is an incredible blessing. It lifts part of the financial burden and makes it possible for me to continue pursuing my calling with ease and peace of mind. I’m passionate about helping others feel seen, supported and valued, and I look forward to using my education to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.”

“It means so much…”

Scholarship winner Ania Fleszar (Courtesy, KDL)

Fleszar is a student at Lowell High School and plans to put the scholarship money toward her education at Western Michigan University. She is planning to pursue either secondary education in History and English or theater, maybe both.

“It means so much that this money is helping my education, of course, but it means even more that it’s coming from my community library,” Fleszar said.

“I’ve learned so much from KDL’s resources growing up, and now I am having my education furthered into college with their assistance.”

Passionate about making a difference

These winners are students who are passionate about making a difference, champions for inclusivity, innovators at heart and lifelong learners with a love for the library. These guidelines were shaped by those of the Library Journal Jerry Kline Award, an award KDL received in 2023 that afforded KDL the opportunity to begin this scholarship fund.

The scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s chosen college, university or trade school to be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.

For more information, visit kdl.org/scholarship.

Both trade-bound and college-bound students are eligible to apply for KDL’s $5,000 scholarship (Courtesy photo)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Kent District Library and the KDL Board of Trustees are proud to offer a $5,000 KDL Community Impact Scholarship.

This scholarship will recognize high school seniors and adults returning to school who have worked hard to improve their communities and show potential to make long term impact. Both trade-bound and college-bound students are eligible to apply. All candidates must live within the KDL service area.

Making a difference

Strong candidates will be students who are passionate about making a difference, champions for inclusivity, innovators at heart and lifelong learners with a love for the library. These guidelines were shaped by those of the Library Journal Jerry Kline Award, an award KDL received in 2023 that afforded KDL the opportunity to begin this scholarship fund.

“Our mission at Kent District Library has always been to empower and uplift our community through education and opportunity,” said Andrew Erlewein, Chair of the Kent District Library Board of Trustees.

“By launching this Community Impact Scholarship, we’re thrilled to provide direct support to individuals in our area who are ready to pursue their dreams through college or trade school. We believe this scholarship can make a meaningful difference in the lives of recipients and in the community as a whole.”

Scholarship timeline

Applications will be accepted online at kdl.org/scholarship from Dec. 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025. Applications will include a form, two letters of recommendation, accepted enrollment letter, a library card number and optional supporting materials. Up to three scholarships will be given this year.

The scholarship recipient(s) will be chosen by the KDL Board of Trustees based on their overall impact on the community and alignment with the scholarship criteria as displayed in their responses.

Winner(s) will be announced May 1, 2025. The scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s chosen college, university or trade school to be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.

For more information, visit kdl.org/scholarship.