Leonard Foundation scholarship deadline is April 30

Published 5:00 pm Thursday, April 13, 2023

HERMISTON — Scholarships for average students of good character with financial difficulties are available through the Red & Gena Leonard Foundation.

The foundation’s goal is to provide assistance to students with limited abilities to receive scholarships based on academic performance.

Eligible recipients include students from Echo, Fossil, Hermiston, Monument, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, Spray, Stanfield, Ukiah, Umatilla and Gilliam and Morrow counties. In addition to 2023 seniors, past graduates or GED recipients are eligible to apply. The foundation has a strong interest in helping adults return to school.

Priority is given to students with average grades and limited financial resources who are upstanding citizens and looking to pursue trades or working-class professions. Preference is given to those interested in agriculture or trade programs. And to honor co-namesake Gena Leonard, who was a nurse, scholarships also are awarded to students attending nursing school or other medical fields.

Since it started the scholarship program, the foundation has awarded 3,017 scholarships, totaling $6.1 million — all to local students.

The application is available at www.leonardfoundation.org, from high school counselors, at Blue Mountain Community College or by emailing foundation Executive Director Tracy Gammell at rglfoundation@qwestoffice.net. The deadline to apply has been extended to April 30.