Nancy Kalchbrenner Scholarship

Nancy Kalchbrenner Scholarship

Supporting first-generation RPS205 students who have overcome obstacles in their pursuit of education.

Winter Scholarship - Closed Closed This scholarship is part of the Winter application cycle. The application is open December 1st to February 1st every year. How to Apply

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

- Be a graduating senior at a Rockford Public School District #205 high school.
- Be a first generation college student.
- Demonstrate the ability to achieve goals and balance work, school, and volunteer activities.
- Demonstrate a moderate level of financial need.

Specifications

Academic performance will be given high priority consideration in the selection process.

For the purposes of this scholarship, a first-generation college student is defined as a student who's parents did not graduate with a degree from a post-secondary institution.

Written Prompt

Each CFNIL scholarship is created with a specific purpose in mind. As you complete the application, the system automatically matches you with every scholarship for which you are eligible and will present you with a specific written prompt for each. You're encouraged to craft a unique response to each prompt to show the reviewers why you're the best candidate for that scholarship.

Scholarship Background and Intent

This scholarship was established by Nancy Kalchbrenner’s family and friends to honor her long-standing commitment to the Rockford community and to the Rockford Public Schools.

Nancy served faithfully on the school board for eight years and enthusiastically served as President for six years. Upon her retirement from the school board, her family and friends believed that a scholarship in Nancy’s name was the ideal way to ensure that her legacy of service will live on.

“Nancy gave her heart and soul to the school district,” said Donna Hayes, long time friend of Nancy’s. “This scholarship means that each year a student will be awarded a scholarship in Nancy’s name, and her dedication to education will be remembered and carried forward.”


In this video, Nancy shares about the "ideal candidate" for this scholarship fund, and 2018 recipient Breon Newble shares what it means to receive this scholarship as a first-generation college student.