Introduction
The John B. and Brownie Young Memorial Fund was established in 1961 by Senator Gates F. Young to recognize deserving high school seniors graduating from high schools in the Owensboro, Daviess, and McLean County public and parochial school districts. The principal purpose of the trust is to provide scholarships to first-year students who are in the top one-third of their senior class. The scholarships are primarily intended for the first year of college, but may be and frequently are awarded for education beyond the freshman year.
Independence Bank Trust Department acts as Trustee of the John B. and Brownie Young Memorial Fund. The trust is administered with the assistance of an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from each of the school districts whose students may receive scholarships from the trust.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Young Memorial Fund Scholarship, a student must be a high school senior in the Owensboro Independent, Daviess County, McLean County, or Owensboro Catholic Diocese school districts, rank in the top one-third of their class at the end of the fall semester, be unmarried, and plan to attend an accredited nonprofit college, university, or vocational/technical school on a full-time basis (12 credit hours). Students must remain unmarried and maintain full-time status during the award year (fall & spring college semesters) or the award will be forfeited.
Awards
Amounts awarded as scholarships can vary greatly. In determining the amount of the award, the Trustee and Advisory Committee consider all relevant factors, including but not limited to the estimated family contribution (EFC), which is generated when the FAFSA is filed, and the average cost of attendance for the college of their choice. Letters setting forth the amount of each scholarship award will be mailed to recipients in the summer.
Application Procedure
Applications will be available to eligible students in the early spring of their senior year. The deadline for returning the application is May 1st. DEADLINES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. It is strongly recommended that each applicant file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early in the year to be considered for a scholarship amount greater than the minimum award. A copy of the Student Aid Report from the FAFSA website showing Estimated Family Contribution will be required to process your award and must be turned in with your application.
Payment of Funds
Checks will be made payable to and mailed to the college or university. The checks will be issued in early August and in early January.
Important Dates & Information
View important dates and information for the scholarship application process.