KEITH VERNARD MCKNIGHT
LEGACY AWARD FUND
The Keith Vernard McKnight Legacy Award Fund was established to honor the legacy of a young man who made a dynamic impact on his community during his 42 years on this earth.
From an early age, Keith excelled in academics and was a Gate and Honors student for most of his academic career. His determination and strong work ethic while playing high school sports at Bakersfield High School, afforded him a full-ride college scholarship.
His brilliant ideas and ability to think “outside the box” led to his quick rise to leadership positions with Genentech and, its parent company, the Roche Group. His adventurous spirit helped others to reach out and learn new things about the world we live in.
He was known as “Big Guy” by his friends because he was big in statue, personality, giving, helping, teaching, mentoring, and loving to all who met him.
CRITERIA
High school senior with a GPA of 3.0 or above OR a freshman or sophomore undergraduate student with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Planned or current full-time attendance at an accredited U.S. four-year college or university.
Planned or current enrollment in a 4-year degree program in Organizational Leadership and/or a STEM/STEAM discipline.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on consideration of academic performance, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, participation in athletics, a statement of educational objectives and career goals as well as unusual personal or family circumstances.
Additional consideration will be given to applicants who attended Bakersfield High School and played sports.
Based on the above criteria, the recipient will be selected by the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit 501(3)(c), which provides educational assistance to African American students.
