KSC taking scholarship applications

  • Published
  • By Ryan Stark
  • Nucleus writer
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Kirtland Spouses' Club members come from a number of backgrounds, and many of their families need help securing educational opportunities.

That is why KSC, as one of its programs, offers scholarships to members and their families. Christi Bailey, KSC's scholarship chairwoman, said the program is an important part of the club's
outreach.

"It is important for the spouses club to give back to the community," she said. "We have several ways of doing this, and the scholarships we give are a big part of it."

Revenue from KSC's on-base thrift shop funds the awards. The scholarships are a big help, according to 2015 recipient, Air Force spouse Caitlin Coppotelli. She moved here from Tucson,
Arizona, with a dream to follow in her mother's and brother's footsteps at the University of New Mexico.

In her final year at UNM and already busy with schoolwork, she gave birth to a daughter.

"Between being a new mom and being in my final year of my undergrad, I had a lot on my plate," Coppotelli said. "Having support from the Kirtland Spouses' Club was a major help for me."

She added that, aside from the scholarship money, the support from KSC helped give her confidence to complete her degree in human development and family relationships.

"I made many good friends that stood by me every step of the way," Coppotelli said.

Club membership is not a requirement for eligibility. An applicant needs to be a high-school senior, a continuing-education student or a military spouse working toward a first degree as
an undergraduate or in a vocational field.

Applicants are evaluated in a blind selection process by a group of area educators. A minimum of one scholarship per category is awarded, and previous awardees cannot apply again.

Bailey added that about $10,000 in scholarships was awarded last year, with individual amounts ranging between $250 and $2,000. Year to year, the number of scholarships awarded and the amounts depend upon available money.

For more information about the scholarships, email kscvpwelfare@gmail.com.