John J McKenna UGRD Creative Nonfiction Scholarship
The John J. McKenna Undergraduate Scholarship in Creative Nonfiction is a scholarship for a student of creative nonfiction. It includes up to 12 hours of tuition in both fall and spring semesters, fees, and a book stipend of $350. Awards for Runner-Up ($3000) and Honorable Mention ($1500) will also be given to assist with educational costs.
The Scholarship is named in honor of Professor John J. McKenna, a celebrated teacher, writer, and scholar of nonfiction writing who dedicated more than forty years of teaching and service to the University. His legacy is commemorated by former student and benefactor Yvette Kinney, who has generously established this Scholarship in support of students devoted to the study and craft of creative nonfiction.
Eligibility
Undergraduate students seeking a major or minor in English, certification in English or Language Arts in the College of Education, or Writers Workshop students whose primary focus is creative nonfiction are all eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed 30 hours of college credit by the start of the academic year covered under the scholarship. Students enrolled for only one semester during the academic year will receive tuition reimbursement and fees covering only that one semester, half of any award money, and half of the book stipend ($125). Previous scholarship winners and applicants may apply again in subsequent years.
- Award
- Varies
- Deadline
- 08/01/2025
- Supplemental Questions
- Please upload a creative nonfiction writing sample (personal essay, memoir, travel essay, etc.) with a maximum limit of 5000 words. We strongly suggest interested applicants meet with their teachers to select their best work for submission.
- Please upload your unofficial transcript from Mavlink. You can find it on the left side of the Home page under ‘Academics.’ Click ‘Unofficial Transcript’ in the expanded menu.