This Scholarship honors a life dedicated to academic excellence and service. Donald began his journey by earning an Air Force ROTC scholarship to Bowling Green State University. As a commissioned officer, his passion for STEM led him to MIT, where he earned two Master of Science degrees: one in Meteorology and another in Aeronautics and Astronautics. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he retired from the Air Force at the rank of Colonel. Donald then transitioned to being a civilian, with a career at Hughes Aircraft Company, managing complex aerospace and defense projects. This scholarship supports students who share Donald’s deep passion for mathematics and science, as well as his commitment to community and service.

Application Due January 9, 2027

1. Applicant will graduate May 2027 from John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma, California, and will have attended the school for at least one year prior to the application deadline. 
2. The applicant must meet the following criteria:
   a. Plan to attend a Post-Secondary school full time in 2027-2028
   b. Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in each of math (all) and science (Biology & Chemistry)
   c. Complete the Scholarship Application packet of the JFK Scholarship Foundation which includes:
   1. Scholarship Application (on-line website)
   2. A Personal Statement that includes a short section about your math & science classes
   3. Academic transcript (request from Counseling office)
   4. Two Academic Letters of Recommendation (request from classroom teachers)
   5. Employer/Volunteer Supervisor letter(s) of Recommendation (if applicable)
   6. Extra-Curricular Activities Worksheet
   7. Interview (to be scheduled on campus)
3. Only one scholarship from the Foundation per applicant will be awarded
4. A recognition dinner will be held on April 10th, which you will be expected to attend
5. The scholarship certificate will be awarded at the Senior Awards Night
6. The scholarship check will be issued when proof of registration to a post-secondary institution of higher learning is received by the Foundation from the award winner, no later than December 31, 2027.

How to apply: Log-in to https://www.jfkscholarshipfoundation.org, select the “Scholarships” button and click on Apply, then select which scholarship(s) you want to apply for and follow the directions at the bottom of the page.  Send the application and appropriate forms to the Foundation via USPS mail. Be sure to read the information page “How to Use the Extra-Curricular Activities Worksheet”.

Mail to:
Scholarship Foundation of John F. Kennedy High School
PO Box 1371
Cypress, CA 90630

Application information is also available in the Counseling Center. Be sure to arrange to have all the supporting materials sent to the Scholarship Foundation by January 9, 2027. Verify that all of your supporting materials have been sent – NO APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED UNTIL ALL SUPPORTING MATERIALS ARE RECEIVED. Personal interviews with applicants will be conducted during March, and Scholarship awards will be announced shortly thereafter.

​Applicant Instructions for Processing Scholarship Application

Donald Widen Memorial Scholarship Application