Educational Scholarships

Jason Johnson Scholarship

In the spring of 2006, undergraduate student Jason Johnson was expelled from one of Kentucky’s institutions of higher education. Not because he was failing — he had good grades! Not because he caused problems — he had many friends and contributed to the community! He was expelled because he was gay. And rather than go home and hide, Jason took a courageous route — he spoke up against this injustice, and he started a statewide debate about funding for such exclusionary schools.  This year’s recipient is a young gay male beginning his collegiate experience at Western Kentucky University.  He is committed to never hiding who he is and standing up for others willing to follow in his footsteps just like Jason Johnson did through his experience at the University of the Cumberlands.  During high school, he looked out for his friends and community too.  He co-founded the gay-straight alliance at Ohio County High School to provide them a safe place to let down their guard and simply be themselves.  Kate Miller of the American Civil Liberties Union of KY said of him regarding Ohio County’s GSA, “despite initial and somewhat consistent challenges Ryan maintained a healthy organization providing students with a support system and a community with vocal examples of progress.”  The 2009 Jason Johnson Scholarship recipient is Ryan Dillon.

Mark England Scholarship

In the spring of 2009, this scholarship was created to applaud the considerable efforts of Louisville’s own Mark England.  He is a unique and dynamic individual that is known for his success in the business community working as a real estate professional.  Mark has long been a leader in the fairness community working to better the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Kentuckians.  He is a graduate of the University of Louisville’s School of Business.  This year’s recipient is also a determined individual with success in his sights.  He has volunteered on electoral campaigns, interacted with local and state officials, and participated in ground-roots organizing – just like Mark England.  As a student at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, this year’s recipient is gaining the knowledge necessary to be engaged in continuing his good work in the legal world.  During his first year in law school, he was appointed to serve on the school’s Diversity Committee because of his leadership experience with other student organizations.  According to Professor Marcosson of the Brandeis School when speaking about the inaugural recipient of the Mark England Scholarship, Sean Donaldson, “[he] is an absolute natural for one of the KFA Foundation Scholarships.”

"Erika's Hope" Memorial Scholarship

Erika Flynn was poised to enter Spalding University’s Masters of Social Work Program the summer of 2008, but passed away unexpectedly before being able to do so. From the moment she interviewed for that program, Erika inspired University officials with her commitment, spirit, and possibility. Prior to Spalding, she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in English at the University of Louisville and went on to teach at-risk youth at the  Hampshire Educational Collaborative in Northampton, Massachusetts until 2003. When she returned to Louisville, Erika opened a coffee shop, the Atomic Saucer. During the five years Erika ran the Atomic Saucer, it became a well known gathering place for people of all identities and walks of life. Also, Erika used the coffee shop as a way to advocate for change and assist those in need. Those that knew her during life speak strongly of Erika’s “hope” for a more diverse and loving society for the LGBT community.  With a passion burning deep in her soul, like Erika’s, this year’s recipient feels rewarded when working to help others.  As a student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, she has found a way to mix that passion to help others and promote fairness through leadership serving as an officer for the Medical Students for Reproductive Choice, the American Women's Medical Association, and on the Executive Board of Health Sciences for Human Rights.  As an undergraduate at Georgetown College, she received multiple academic honors such as the Senior Outstanding Achievement in Biological Sciences Award and the Outstanding Pre-Medical Student Scholarship.  She has also worked in Africa to further AIDS/HIV relief efforts with UNICEF as well as in cooperation with Heifer International in Latin America to assist impoverished communities with increasing their standard of living, via the avenues of nutrition and healthcare.  In June, she spoke at KFA’s Candlelight Vigil marking the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.  The inaugural recipient of “Erika’s Hope” Memorial Scholarship is Megan French.

Ryan Dillon

Sean Donaldson

Megan French