Kiwanis Club of Benicia Announces 2026 High School Scholarship Application Period
BENICIA, CA — The Kiwanis Club of Benicia proudly announces its 2026 High School Scholarship Program as the organization celebrates its 100-year anniversary. Founded in 1926, the Club remains steadfast in its mission of “improving the world, one child and one community at a time.”
As part of its centennial year of service, the Club continues its long-standing tradition of investing in local youth through scholarships and awards. In 2025, the organization awarded a combined total of $20,000 in scholarships to 16 deserving high school graduates.
Once again, scholarships and awards will be offered to graduating seniors from Benicia High School and Liberty High School.
Scholarship and award amounts vary each year based on the number of qualified applicants and how well they meet the selection criteria. While criteria differ across the five scholarship categories, successful candidates generally demonstrate meaningful community involvement, strong character, leadership, academic commitment, and activities that align with the Kiwanis mission of service. See below for more information.
“Our centennial year is a time to reflect on a century of service while continuing to invest in the future of our community,” said Gretchen Burgess, President of the Kiwanis Club of Benicia. “Supporting local students as they pursue higher education and career goals is one of the most meaningful ways we live out our mission.”
Students interested in applying for a 2026 scholarship or award should contact their school counselor at Benicia High School or Liberty High School for application materials and detailed eligibility requirements.
Application deadline: April 1, 2026.
For additional information about the Kiwanis Club of Benicia and its community programs, please contact Gretchen Burgess at eBenicia.com
The Key Club Scholarship (normally $2,000 – $3,000), the club’s top scholarship, is always awarded to an outstanding member of the BHS Key Club.
Key Club is an international service organization for high school students and is classified as a Service Leadership Program and more specifically as a Kiwanis Youth Program. The BHS Key Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Benicia. It is intended to provide leadership training and opportunities for its members as they prepare for adulthood.
The Fred Everett Lifetime Achievement Scholarship (generally $2,000 – $3,000) is a scholarship awarded to a student who best exemplifies the character that Fred Everett has demonstrated in his 50 years plus commitment to both Kiwanis and Benicia community.
Fred gave back to his community with compassion, grace and commitment. Fred’s efforts always demonstrated his concern and care for his fellow humans and most especially those that are in need.
The Kiwanis Club of Benicia Scholarship (usually $2,000 – $3,000) is awarded to a student who best represents the values and mission of Kiwanis, which is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
The Kiwanis Club Special Recognition Scholarship (generally $1,000 – $2,500) The student selected for this scholarship will have been considered for the first three scholarships above. The student will represent the values and mission of Kiwanis through their extra-curricular activities.
The Kiwanis Hope of America Award (2-4 awards and amount varies) is a cash award typically awarded to non-Key Club students who have demonstrated academic, community and future success achievements.