Kirkwood Community College continues to demonstrate its commitment to student success by offering a wide range of scholarship opportunities to support both domestic and international students. Every year, the Kirkwood Foundation awards more than $3 million in scholarships to deserving students across various programs and departments.
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are now open and will close on March 15, 2026. The scholarship amounts vary based on eligibility, academic performance, financial need and other criteria outlined on the college’s official scholarship website.
These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus more on their academic and personal development rather than worrying about tuition and expenses.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply early. According to the Foundation, completing one general application automatically qualifies students for consideration for multiple scholarships, saving time and effort.
Academic advisors also encourage applicants to write sincere and compelling essays that highlight their achievements, community involvement, and goals, as these can significantly increase their chances of being selected.
One of the most notable scholarships available to international students is the CCID Global Impact Scholarship. This award recognizes international students who demonstrate leadership, cross-cultural engagement, and community involvement.
“The scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the applicant’s contributions and overall impact,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, international student specialist at Kirkwood’s Global Learning Department.
“This scholarship is offered through a collaboration between a network of Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) and Lewermark Insurance, a company that supports global education. The partnership aims to empower international students who serve as ambassadors of their countries while studying in the United States,” she added.
O’Brien emphasized that because the number of eligible applicants is relatively small, the chances of being selected are higher compared to other national scholarships. “Applicants are encouraged to reflect on how their presence and actions contribute positively to the Kirkwood community and foster cross-cultural understanding,” she said.
The Make Your Mark Scholarship is another great opportunity available annually to international students. It rewards creativity, initiative, and global awareness among students who are making a difference in their communities both on and off campus. Although the deadline for the 2025 application cycle was Oct. 31, interested students are encouraged to begin preparing early for the next round of applications.
All scholarship details, including eligibility requirements, application instructions, and essay prompts, can be found on the Kirkwood Scholarships webpage.
Whether local or international, every Kirkwood student has the opportunity to apply, gain recognition for their hard work and receive financial support that brings them closer to achieving their dreams.
Categories: Feature
