Nicholas A. Pennipede Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Eye Associates Inc.

For more than three decades Eye Associates has cared for thousands of patients and families across the Kansas City metro. Our work has been possible because of the communities we serve — and we want to give back by helping students who plan to serve their communities in return. A brief note about our roots: our founder, Vincent Pennipede, earned a health professions scholarship through military service and used that opportunity to open our first office in Overland Park. That spirit — hard work, service, and using education to strengthen community — guides this scholarship. What the scholarship is for - Supporting students who plan to use their education to help their communities and who demonstrate commitment, sincerity, and a strong work ethic. - We award the scholarship to a student whose application and essay best reflect those values. Eligibility You are eligible if either: - You have been accepted to an accredited college or university and will be enrolled full time within the next six (6) months; OR - You have been accepted to an accredited optometry school and will be enrolled as an optometry student within the next six (6) months. Important dates (Fall 2024 cycle) - Application opens: March 16, 2024 - Application deadline: November 15, 2024, 11:59 p.m. CST - Winner announced by: approximately December 15, 2024 (If any of these dates are critical to your planning, please confirm them on the Eye Associates website.) Application requirements - Essay: 500–800 words, submitted as a PDF (other formats will not be accepted). In your essay, address: - How you plan to use your education to serve your community, - How receiving this scholarship will help you achieve your goals, and - Why Eye Associates should select you. - Proof of enrollment or an official acceptance letter from an accredited institution (the institution must be listed on the U.S. Department of Education’s official website). - A brief statement of your current academic status (this may include a transcript or a school-issued statement confirming enrollment or acceptance). - By applying, you give Eye Associates permission to confirm your admission and attendance by contacting the college or university. Selection process - A review team from Eye Associates, Inc. will evaluate applications. Decisions are based on the essay, eligibility documentation, and how well the application reflects our values of community building and hard work. A few practical tips (from a teacher) - Be specific: concrete examples of volunteer work, leadership, or plans for service make your essay memorable. - Focus on impact: explain not just what you did, but why it mattered and how it shaped your goals. - Be original: don’t submit a generic, mass-produced essay. We want to hear your voice and your story. - Proofread and save your essay as a PDF before you submit. We look forward to reading thoughtful, honest applications from students who want to make a difference.