Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Education Association

Description Overview

The NEA‑Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Fund provides targeted financial support to college students pursuing careers in education. Established to honor Jack Kinnaman, the program addresses the non‑tuition costs that can impede degree completion. Awards are intended to ease financial stress so recipients can focus on their studies and professional preparation. The scholarship is administered by NEA‑Retired and distributed annually.

Key takeaways:

• Supports college students preparing for careers in education.
• Focuses on reducing overall financial burden, not just tuition.
• Administered and awarded through NEA‑Retired on an annual basis.

Eligibility Who can apply

The scholarship is open to NEA student/aspiring educator members who meet the program’s membership and applicant requirements. Applicants must be actively pursuing a postsecondary education program that leads to a career in K–12 education. Specific documentation and membership verification are required as part of the application. Check NEA‑Retired for any additional eligibility details before applying.

Key takeaways:

• Must be an NEA student or aspiring educator member.
• Must be enrolled in a postsecondary program preparing for a K–12 education career.
• Documentation and membership verification are part of the application.

Award

Value Current award amounts

The program awards multiple scholarships each year; current funding has expanded from a single modest award to several larger grants. This year, NEA‑Retired is providing five individual scholarships of $3,500 each. Previous communications referenced $2,500 awards, but recent member fundraising increased the award level. Award values may change over time based on contributions.

Key takeaways:

• Five scholarships awarded this year.
• Each scholarship is $3,500 for the current award cycle.
• Award amounts depend on member fundraising and may vary by year.

Application

Timeline and

Selection How winners are chosen and announced

Applications must be submitted through the NEA‑Retired application process; applicants should review the current application materials and deadlines on the NEA‑Retired website. Winners are selected by the NEA‑Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Committee following the established review criteria. Recipients are publicly announced at the NEA‑Retired Annual Meeting. Applicants should monitor NEA‑Retired communications for the exact application window and announcement dates each year.

Key takeaways:

• Submit an application via NEA‑Retired; check for yearly deadlines.
• Winners selected by the NEA‑Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Committee.
• Recipients are announced at the NEA‑Retired Annual Meeting.

History of the

Award Origins and growth

The scholarship fund was created after the passing of Jack Kinnaman, who served as NEA‑Retired Vice President; his family initiated the fund in his honor. The first award was issued in 2002 as a single $1,000 scholarship. Continued donations from NEA‑Retired members have steadily grown the fund, enabling a larger number of higher‑value scholarships over time. The program remains a member‑driven effort to support future educators.

Key takeaways:

• Founded in memory of Jack Kinnaman by his family and NEA‑Retired members.
• First award given in 2002 as a $1,000 scholarship.
• Member donations expanded the program to multiple, larger scholarships.