For DonorsFor Applicants

Jon Kaye Memorial Scholarship

$4,000
2 winners, $2,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 1, 2024
Winners Announced
Sep 1, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Trade school student
State:
New York
GPA:
3.0 or higher

Jonathan “Jon” Kaye was born in New York City on June 25th, 1971, to his mother Sheri, a singer, and his father Murray, an entrepreneur who owned a beauty salon.

Jon was very close with his brothers, sister, and cousins and enjoyed exploring the city with them. Jon played baseball and football and was a true team player, full of sportsmanship and empathy. Jon was brilliant, a talented self-taught musician, and a lover of cars and mechanics. Jon was admired by many and loved giving back to others.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Jon Kaye by supporting a student currently pursuing a degree in trade school. 

Any trade school student in New York who has big dreams and at least a 3.0 GPA may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, write a short essay about how cars, music, or animals have affected your life. You may also submit a letter of recommendation if you’d like.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published March 14, 2024
Essay Topic

How have cars, music, or animals impacted your life?

300–550 words

Winning Applications

Ethan Rivera
New York Automotive and Diesel InstituteBAYSIDE, NY
Liliana Mulchy
Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BocesClinton, NY
My parents divorced when I was young and both my mother and father are legally disabled after having suffered strokes and beating cancer. When I turned sixteen my mom and stepdad gave me a hand-me-down car that I appreciated so much because to me it meant freedom. On the day I turned sixteen I was so excited! When I went for my license the examiner hopped in my car and I forgot my seatbelt. After that, I had a panic attack during the remainder of the test. Obviously I failed. I think she even called me dangerous. One week later I took it again and hit a curb and if you’re guessing… I failed again. So I figured it’s important to never give up. I paid for one on one driving lessons and then took it for a third time. I drove up for my test and it was the same examiner that called me dangerous just a few weeks before; however, this time I passed! That old car gave me freedom and taught me perseverance, drive and ambition that are life lessons that are able to carry me through. Not everyone will be able to have the freedom to drive like I’m able to do so. I think of my younger brother Grant who has Autism and Down Syndrome and I wonder if he will ever be able to drive a car but I hope that I can help him learn so that he has the same freedom and experience like his peers. Guaranteed, I might not be the best one to give driving lessons, but there’s nobody better than a big sister to have your back and help you succeed. The impact of a car can mean so much to a child. It’s that pivotal time for growth.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Aug 1, 2024. Winners will be announced on Sep 1, 2024.