Melissa Finegan Student-Athlete Scholarship
About Melissa Finegan
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.
Eligibility and Qualifications
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
- 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.
- $1250
- Substantiation of scholarship funding spent on relevant educational-related expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies etc. may be requested.
Written applications must be sent to amy.tran@kippnorcal.org and are due by April 18, 2026. 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.
Required Items to Submit
- Name:
- Contact details, including email, phone number, and address:
- Intended college/university:
- Intended area of study or major:
- 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.**