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St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909 Christian Student Service Scholarship

St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Council 8909, in partnership with the Ladies Auxiliary, is pleased to announce the 2025 Christian Student Service Scholarship award program for graduating high school seniors.

We are awarding a total of $9,500 in scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year:

  • Four scholarships of $2,000 each
    • Paid in equal amounts of $1,000 each semester or the first two quarters of the first year.
  • One scholarship of $1,500
    • Paid in equal amounts of $750 each semester or the first two quarters of the first year.

These scholarships are non-renewable and are to be used for the first academic year following high school graduation.

The first installment will be paid upon entering college. To receive the remaining amount, recipients must:

  1. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  2. Submit a grade report and a letter of progress via mail or email at the end of each grading period.

Celebrating a Legacy of Academic Excellence and Faith

Since 2016, the St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909 Christian Student Service Scholarship program has a proud history of supporting high-achieving students and fostering a commitment to education and faith. Over the years, this program has made a significant impact, awarded numerous scholarships, contributed to the future success of our community’s youth, and continues to empower the next generation of leaders through faith and education.

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Voices of Gratitude: Scholarship Impact Stories

The St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909 Christian Student Service Scholarship has touched the lives of many students, helping them achieve their educational dreams and grow in their faith. Hear from past recipients as they share how this program has made a difference in their academic journeys and personal development.

These testimonials reflect the lasting impact of this scholarship, inspiring future applicants to strive for excellence and embrace the values of community and service.

Claire Francavilla

24-25 Scholarship winner

This scholarship has been instrumental in opening the door to higher education for me. In this first semester at Creighton University I have attended 2 campus ministry retreats, maintained a 3.77 GPA, and made many dear friends. Having the support of my church family in the form of this scholarship is empowering.  More recently my spring semester started out with a trip to Washington DC for the March for Life Rally. I was able to stand up for the fundamental right to life and visit the monuments that make up our national history. Something I wouldn’t have gone on if I wasn’t attending a Catholic University with the help of this scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909 Christian Student Service Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Have a Strong Faith Community

Have a parent, grandparent, or guardian as a registered parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church or a member of St. Francis of Assisi Council #8909.

Maintain Academic Performance

Maintain a 2.0 GPA during junior and senior years of high school.

Admitted to Accredited School

Apply to and be accepted by an accredited college, junior college, or trade/vocational school by August of the year of high school graduation.

Application Requirements

To complete your application for the St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909 Christian Student Service Scholarship, you’ll need to provide the following materials. These documents help highlight your character, academic achievements, and faith journey:

How to Apply

Embarking on your scholarship journey is simple! Follow these steps to apply for the St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909 Christian Student Service Scholarship:

  1. Download the Application
    • Access the official application form and save it to your computer, in either Word or PDF format.
  2. Gather Required Materials
    • Collect all necessary documents, including your completed application, transcript, acceptance letter, essay, and recommendation forms.
  3. Request Recommendations
    • Ask your pastor or church/youth leader, a high school teacher, and a community member (non-relative) to complete recommendation forms on your behalf.
  4. Submit Your Application
    • Send your application and all supporting documents to the Scholarship Chairperson by June 30, 2025.

Start your path to success by downloading the application today. Be sure to complete each step carefully and submit your materials on time!

Submission Guidelines

You can submit your completed application and supporting materials as they become available. Components may be sent separately, including recommendation letters from your pastor or church/youth leader, high school teacher, and community member. Submissions can be made via email or mail, ensuring flexibility for both applicants and recommenders.

All materials must be received by the Scholarship Committee no later than June 30, 2025. Submissions received after this date will not be considered.

Submission Options

  1. By Email:
    Send application components to:
    scholarships@promotions.KofC8909.org
    • Ensure all email subject lines clearly include the applicant’s name and the document type (e.g., “John Smith – Recommendation Letter”).
    • Attach each document in PDF or Word format.
  2. By Mail:
    Send materials to:
    Scholarship Committee, Knights of Columbus
    St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909
    P.O. Box 2316
    Castle Rock, CO 80104

Important Notes

  • Clearly label all submitted components with the applicant’s full name.
  • Follow up with your recommenders to ensure their letters are sent before the deadline.
  • Early submissions are highly encouraged to ensure all materials are received on time.

If you have questions about the application process or submission methods, please contact the Scholarship Committee. Start your journey toward academic success today!

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that applying for scholarships can be a detailed process, and we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to complete your application with confidence. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the Knights of Columbus/Ladies Auxiliary St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909 Christian Student Service Scholarship. If you have any other questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

The scholarship funds are intended to be used for academic expenses during your first year of college, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies. The funds will be distributed directly to you in two payments: one at the beginning of each semester or quarter.

How do I submit my application materials?

Your completed application, along with all supporting documents (transcript, recommendation letters, and Declaration of Faith), should be submitted by June 30, 2025. You can send them via email to scholarships@promotions.KofC8909.org or by mail to the scholarship chairperson at:
Scholarship Chairperson, Knights of Columbus, St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909, P.O. Box 2316, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

What should I include in my acceptance letter for the scholarship application?

Please attach a copy of your official or unofficial acceptance letter from the college, junior college, or trade/vocational school you plan to attend in the fall following your high school graduation. This letter should confirm your admission to the institution, not just an acceptance offer.

Do I need to submit an official or unofficial transcript?

You may submit either an official or unofficial transcript of your high school grades. The transcript should include all completed coursework and grades for your high school years. If you have any questions about which to submit, feel free to contact us.

What is the Declaration of Faith?

The Declaration of Faith is a written statement reflecting your religious beliefs and experiences. Please discuss how faith has impacted your life, any significant moments of growth in your faith, and how you have expressed Christ’s love to others. We encourage you to be personal and reflective in your response. The statement should be no more than three double-spaced pages.

What do I need to include in my Declaration of Faith?

The Declaration of Faith should include:
1. Meaningful experiences from your childhood and adolescence, both positive and negative.
2. A reflection on what your faith means to you and its role in your life.
3. How you have expressed Christ’s love to others.
4. A favorite Bible passage (or another text) and why it holds special meaning for you.
5. Your participation in church and Christian activities, including any leadership roles.
6. Your motivation for pursuing higher education and career goals.
Please type your Declaration, double-spaced, and no longer than three pages.

Who can write my recommendation letters?

You need three recommendation letters:
1. From your pastor or church/youth leader.
2. From a high school teacher.
3. From someone other than a relative (for example, a coach, employer, or community leader).

Each letter should be submitted via mail or email to the scholarship chairperson.

Can I submit the recommendation letters by email or do they need to be mailed?

You can submit your recommendation letters via email or mail. Please ensure they are sent to the scholarship chairperson at scholarships@promotions.KofC8909.org or to the mailing address:
Scholarship Chairperson, Knights of Columbus, St. Francis of Assisi Council 8909, P.O. Box 2316, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

When will I find out if I’ve received the scholarship?

The scholarship committee will review all applications after the June 30, 2025 deadline. You will be notified of the scholarship results via email or mail within a few weeks after the application deadline.

How is the scholarship money paid out?

The scholarships are paid in two equal installments per semester or quarter of your first academic year. The $2,000 scholarships will be divided into two payments of $1,000, and the $1,500 scholarship will be paid in two payments of $750. In order to receive the second payment, you must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA during your first year and provide a progress report to the scholarship committee.

Can I apply for the scholarship if I haven't yet been accepted to a college or vocational school?

No, you must have been accepted to an accredited college, junior college, or vocational school by the time you submit your application. A copy of the acceptance letter is required as part of your application

Can I apply for the scholarship if I’m planning to attend a school outside of Colorado?

Yes, the scholarship is available to students planning to attend accredited institutions both in-state and out-of-state, as long as the school is accredited and meets the eligibility requirements.

Can I apply for the scholarship if I’m attending an online school or pursuing a part-time course?

Yes, the scholarship is open to students attending accredited online programs or part-time courses, as long as the institution is recognized as an accredited college, junior college, or vocational school.

Do I need to be a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church or the Knights of Columbus to apply for the scholarship?

Yes, to be eligible for the scholarship, at least one of your parents, grandparents, or guardians must be a registered parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church or a member of St. Francis of Assisi Council #8909.

What if I am unable to submit my application or supporting documents by the June 30th deadline?

Late applications will not be accepted. Be sure to submit your completed application and all supporting materials by June 30, 2025. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact us as soon as possible, and we will determine if exceptions can be made.

How are the scholarship recipients selected?

The scholarship committee reviews all applications and selects the recipients based on the applicant’s academic achievements, religious faith, community involvement, leadership qualities, and personal essays. The committee will carefully consider the entire application package.

Can I receive multiple scholarships from other organizations?

Yes, you can apply for and receive other scholarships in addition to this one. However, please note that this scholarship is non-renewable, and we encourage you to consider how multiple scholarship opportunities may affect your overall financial planning for higher education.

Will I be notified if I do not receive the scholarship?

Yes, all applicants will be notified whether they have been selected for the scholarship or not. If you are not selected, we encourage you to apply for other opportunities in the future.

How do I maintain my eligibility to receive the second payment of the scholarship?

To receive the second installment of the scholarship, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale during your first academic year. You must also submit a grade report and a letter of progress at the end of each grading period to verify your academic standing.

Do I need to provide proof of enrollment each semester?

You do not need to provide proof of enrollment each semester, but you must submit your grade report and a letter of progress at the end of each grading period to continue receiving the scholarship payments.

What happens if I don’t meet the GPA requirement during my first year?

If you do not maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, you will not be eligible to receive the second payment of the scholarship. If you believe there are exceptional circumstances, please reach out to the scholarship committee to discuss your situation.