Youth Scholarship
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Kathy Kirschbaum
Kirschbaum was the first female mayor of Davenport and a civic leader for many years.
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Karen Fitzsimmons
Fitzsimmons was the Scott County Auditor for more than 30 years.
PURPOSE
The Scott County Democratic Party, Iowa, is announcing its annual scholarship in honor of the lives, work, and memory of the late KATHY KIRSCHBAUM and KAREN FITZSIMMONS. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage participation in community politics.
KATHY KIRSCHBAUM became the first female alderman of Davenport in 1967 and later became the first elected female mayor of Davenport, serving as mayor from 1972 to 1976. She also served as a delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention and was an early champion of the city’s bike paths.
KAREN FITZSIMMONS was the first female county auditor in Scott County, Iowa. She served honorably as Scott County auditor from 1976 to 2008, bringing professionalism and prestige to the office. She won her first election at the age of 27 and won re-election seven times. Fitzsimmons was very civic-minded. She was active with the Scott County Democratic Party and in the presidential campaigns of Howard Dean, Al Gore, Barack Obama, and other Democratic hopefuls.
ELIGIBILITY
The $1000 Kirschbaum-Fitzsimmons Scott County Democrats Scholarship will be awarded to one or more graduating Scott County high school senior who meets the following criteria:
A. Presents evidence of acceptance to and eventual enrollment in an accredited post-secondary educational program in the United States. Eligible programs include: 4-year colleges, community colleges, or vocational/technical/trade schools.
B. Graduates during the 2024-2025 academic year from a high school in Scott County with at least a 2.75 (out of 4.00) high school grade point average, and has not been enrolled as a full-time college or higher education program student prior to applying for this scholarship. Applicants may be enrolled in dual-enrollment and/or college credit courses while they are in high school.
C. Presents two letters of recommendation (described in How To Apply section).
D. Agrees to report back to the Scott County Democratic Party Central Committee via written communication or in person regarding their progress in the post-secondary educational program.
E. Completes and submits the scholarship application form and supporting documents by the application date (see Timeline section).
F. Obtains permission of a parent/legal guardian to participate
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Direct any questions about the scholarship and application process to Toby Paone at info@scottcountydems.org
HOW TO APPLY
Complete and return the application form and the required documents.
READ CAREFULLY. Applications that do not include the required documentation will be disqualified.
1. High school transcript.
2. One letter of recommendation from someone, other than a family member, that confirms your involvement in Democratic Party activities.
3. A letter of recommendation from either a high school teacher, guidance counselor, or principal.
4. A typewritten essay of 200 words or fewer that describes your volunteer, extra-curricular and Democratic Party activities and why these activities are important to you. Democratic Party activities include, but are not limited to: 1) working for Democratic candidates, 2) volunteering at Democratic political events, 3) advocating for issues supported by the Democratic Party, and 4) participating in organizations, meetings, trainings, caucuses, conventions, and other activities sponsored by the Democratic Party.
5. Submission of the completed application via U.S. mail by the due date.