Supporting Female Students in Bedford and Cambria Counties
YWCA Karen Kleinosky Scholarship Applications Available Now
When the YWCA board decided to create and award a scholarship for young women in 2021, they immediately knew that it would be in honor of Karen Kleinosky. Karen passed away in November of 2020 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Karen was a YWCA board member for several years and was a branch manager at First National Bank. She was honored with the Yellow Rose Award in the 2018 Tribute to Women ceremony for her contributions to the community and her volunteerism supporting many causes. She left her imprint on everyone she met. “Even while battling breast cancer, she always exhibited a positive attitude. She was truly a caring and wonderful person,” said Tiffany Sturtz, board treasurer for the YWCA.
2022 was the inaugural year for the YWCA Karen Kleinosky Scholarship. The YWCA awarded one female student in Cambria County with $500. In 2023, the YWCA board asked the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies to house the fund, and since that time, the fund has grown to allow for two scholarships in 2023–one each in Cambria and Somerset Counties.
“The board wanted to create the scholarship to give back to young women in the community,” continued Sturtz. The application for the scholarship is available on the CFA website at: https://www.cfalleghenies.org/scholarships/.
To be considered, applicants must craft a short essay on a woman who inspired them, and why. “I’m very excited to hear from young women in our community again this year. We weren’t sure what to expect last year, and were delighted with the submissions. The essays were moving and emotional. It was a tough decision so I’m glad we can award one in each county this year,” continued Sturtz.
The deadline for submission is March 31, with the recipients being notified in early spring.
