Kinkel Scholarship: Honoring a Legacy of Language, Learning, and Community
The Bill & Faith Kinkel Scholarship for World Language Studies was established to honor the memory of Bill and Faith Kinkel, dedicated educators who shared a lifelong passion for teaching world languages and helping students broaden their understanding of the world through language and culture.
Today, the scholarship continues to provide financial assistance to Springfield Public Schools graduates who demonstrate a commitment to world language study and a desire to continue language learning beyond high school.
For more than two decades, this scholarship has supported Springfield students as they pursue higher education and continue their study of a second language. The scholarship reflects the Kinkels’ belief that language learning opens doors to opportunity, fosters cultural understanding, and helps students become engaged global citizens.
About the Kinkel Scholarship
Scholarship Administration
The Bill & Faith Kinkel Scholarship is a collaborative effort between the Springfield Education Foundation (SEF) and the Springfield Education Association (SEA).
The Springfield Education Association oversees the scholarship application process, selection committee, eligibility requirements, and recipient selection. The Springfield Education Foundation manages and safeguards the scholarship fund, ensuring that donations are invested in the long-term sustainability of the program.
Together, these organizations work to preserve the Kinkels’ legacy while supporting future generations of Springfield students.
Scholarship Eligibility
While eligibility requirements may be updated periodically, the scholarship is generally available to graduating seniors enrolled in Springfield Public Schools who have demonstrated a commitment to world language study.
Recent scholarship criteria have included:
- Enrollment as a graduating senior in Springfield Public Schools
- Completion of at least two years of world language study during high school
- Plans to continue studying a second language in college, university, or another post-secondary program
- Demonstrated interest in the value of language learning and cultural understanding
Historically, multiple scholarships have been awarded annually, including dedicated support for students who have participated in English Language Development (ELD) programs.
How to Apply
High school seniors enrolled in Springfield Public Schools who are passionate about world languages should reach out to their high school counseling or career center for the most up-to-date application timeline, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions.
Because application materials and deadlines may change from year to year, students are encouraged to begin conversations with their counselors early in their senior year. Questions regarding scholarship administration or application requirements should be directed to the Springfield Education Association.
Keeping the Scholarship Alive
The Bill & Faith Kinkel Scholarship exists because of the generosity of community members, educators, families, and supporters who believe in the power of education and language learning.
As many of the original contributors have retired, ongoing community support is essential to ensuring that future Springfield students continue to benefit from this scholarship. Without continuing donations, the fund could eventually be unable to continue awarding scholarships.
Every contribution helps preserve the legacy of Bill and Faith Kinkel while creating new opportunities for students pursuing higher education and world language studies.
Make a Donation
You can support future scholarship recipients by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Bill & Faith Kinkel Scholarship Fund through the Springfield Education Foundation.
To donate:
- Visit SEF’s online donation page: SEFLane.org/Donate
- In the “Additional comments” section, please note that your gift is designated for the Kinkel Scholarship Fund.
- Complete your donation.
Donations of any size help ensure that Springfield students can continue to receive scholarship support for years to come.
Other Ways to Support the Fund
Individuals, families, businesses, alumni, and community organizations may also wish to:
- Make a recurring monthly contribution through Springfield Education Foundation – follow the instructions above and check the box that says “YES! I’d like to make my donation a recurring gift.”
- Create a tribute or memorial gift
- Encourage others to support the scholarship
- Include the scholarship fund in planned giving or estate plans
Together, we can honor the Kinkels’ commitment to education and ensure that their passion for language learning continues to inspire future generations!
Contact Information
For questions about scholarship eligibility, applications, or recipient selection, please contact the Springfield Education Association at seapresident@oregoned.org or 541-343-1151.
For questions about donations or fund management, please contact the Springfield Education Foundation at info@seflane.org or 541-726-3243.
