PIERCE COUNTY — The St. Croix Valley Foundation is encouraging Pierce County residents pursuing higher education to apply for the McKernon Scholarship, which will award 30–35 scholarships of $2,500 each to students seeking their first college degree.

The scholarship is open to any student living in Pierce County who demonstrates financial need and is pursuing their first postsecondary degree, including both current high school seniors and adults returning to school. Priority will be given to graduating seniors from Elmwood High School and non-traditional students continuing their education later in life.

“This scholarship was created to help local students take the next step toward their educational goals,” said Heidi Herron, Grants and Scholarships Manager at the St. Croix Valley Foundation. “Whether you’re graduating from Elmwood High School this spring or returning to school to pursue a degree, we encourage Pierce County residents with financial need to apply.”

The McKernon Scholarship is part of the St. Croix Valley Foundation’s broader scholarship program. Each year, thanks to the generosity of donors, hundreds of students across the region receive scholarship support through the Foundation’s simple universal scholarship application.

In 2025 alone, the Foundation awarded $485,232 in scholarships to 234 students attending 52 colleges and universities.

Applications for the McKernon Scholarship are open now and must be submitted by March 15, 2026. Students can learn more and apply online at: www.scvfoundation.org/scholarships

Questions about the scholarship can be directed to Heidi Herron at hherron@scvfoundation.org.

Submitted by St. Croix Valley Foundation