​​​The Milford Rotary Educational Foundation has awarded scholarships to

senior students living in the Milford Community since 2002.

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​​​​​​​​​​​Milford Rotary Club Educational Foundation 

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            Trustees:                                                                                                                           Staff:

                    Mark Dissinger                                                                                                         Robin Sirkis

                            Doug Conkling                                                                                                                 ~Foundation Coordinator

                            Garry Grier 

                            Gary Downes                                                                                                               Robert Starkey

                            Kate Lynch                                                                                                                            ~Financial Officer

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For the 2025-2026 school year:​​​​​​​​​

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The Milford Rotary Club Educational Foundation

will award

seven MRCEF scholarships

and

two  Dr. Joseph Warnell Charitable Trust Scholarships​

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MRCEF Scholarships: 

• Two $2,500 Rotary Traditional Scholarships

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• One $2,500 Rotary Warnell Scholarship
  • Named for the late Joseph Warnell who was a research chemist, business leader and a long term member of the Milford Rotary Club.
  • The applicant must be planning a career in science or mathematics.

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• One $2,500 Rotary Interact Scholarship​​

  • The applicant must be a member of an Interact club.

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• One $2,500 Rotary Service Above Self Scholarship

  • ​ An emphasis will be placed on the applicant's community service.

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• One $2,500 Rotary Perseverance Scholarship

  • An emphasis will be placed on the applicant's perseverance.

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• One $2,500 Dr. William Warren Scholarship

  •  Preference will be given to an applicant majoring in Education.

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​​​​Eligibility for MRCEF Scholarships:

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1. The applicant must be a graduating high school senior who resides within the service area of the Milford Rotary Club, as established by Rotary District 7630. This service area includes all of the Milford, Delaware School District. Applicants do not have to attend Milford High School. They may attend any school or be home schooled, but must reside within the area.

2. Children and grandchildren of members of the Milford Rotary Club are not eligible.

3. Criteria for all scholarship awards include the student’s leadership, character, citizenship, academic achievement, and quality of an original essay.

4. Use of artificial intelligence to write an essay or answer any question disqualifies the applicant.

5. All applications must be complete and received by the Milford Rotary Club Educational Foundation no later than April 20, 2026.

6. Application finalists will be contacted to schedule a brief interview at the Milford Public Library the morning of May 2, 2026.

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Scholarship Application Procedures for the MRCEF Scholarships

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1. It is recommended to complete the form in one session.

2. Answer all required questions in the application form, including an essay on the Four Way Test.

3. In the form, upload a transcript of the student's academic record.

4. In the form, upload 2 letters of recommendation from a faculty member, community leader, religious leader, employer, or person knowledgeable of the applicant's attributes, which cites illustrations of the student's character, leadership and citizenship.

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Click HERE for the 2026 Application for the MRCEF Scholarships  

-Due April 20, 2026

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Dr. Joseph L. Warnell Charitable Trust Scholarships 

​The Milford Rotary Club is pleased to collaborate with the Dr. Joseph L. Warnell Charitable Trust to offer two scholarships for the equivalent of one year's tuition, room, board, books, and supplies.

• The amount of the total scholarship shall be capped at the rate charged for a year at the University of Delaware for these costs.

• These scholarships are eligible for renewal for three additional years.

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About the Dr. Joseph L. Warnell Charitable Foundation

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Dr. Joseph L. Warnell was a chemist and a longtime member of the Milford Rotary Club. He is remembered by his many friends and family as a kind, generous man who always looked for people in whose lives he could make a positive difference. As a young man growing up in Iowa, he wanted to go to college, but he didn't think he could afford it. When it was time for him to consider an education, a person changed his life by providing a full scholarship for his bachelor's degree. He went on to get his PhD in Chemistry, work for DuPont and to build several businesses of his own. After Dr. Warnell's passing, the Foundation that bears his name joyfully follows his wishes and his example to provide life-changing opportunities to two Milford area prospective or current college students.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Dr. Joseph L. Warnell Charitable Trust Scholarships:

1. The applicant must have been a legal resident in the boundaries of the Milford (DE) School District for at least six months prior to the date of application. If the applicant is a resident student at a school, the residency of the parents will be accepted provided the applicant resided at that address at the time of high school graduation.

2. The applicant must be a graduating high school senior or previous high school graduate who resides within the service area of the Milford Rotary Club, as established by Rotary District 7630. This service area includes all of the Milford, Delaware School District. Applicants do not have to attend/graduate from Milford High School. They may attend/graduate from any high school or be home schooled. Current college students are eligible for a scholarship.

3. The applicant's current GPA must be at least 2.5. If the applicant is currently attending an institution of higher learning and is applying for the scholarship for the first time, the student must have a GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade less than 2.5 or no D or less in any course.

4. The applicant is expected to submit a copy of his or her FAFSA Student Aid Report or electronic version. If no such report has been generated, the FAFSA application itself must be submitted.

5. The applicant's current or intended major must be in one of the following fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, or any other major which will or can lead to a career in the field of healthcare for humans or animals.

6. Children and grandchildren of members of the Milford Rotary Club are not eligible.

7. Criteria for all scholarship awards include the student’s leadership, character, citizenship, academic achievement, and quality of an original essay.

8. Use of artificial intelligence to write an essay or answer any question disqualifies the applicant.

9. All applications must be complete and received by the Milford Rotary Club Educational Foundation no later than April 20, 2026.

10. Application finalists will be contacted to schedule a brief interview at the Milford Public Library the morning of May 2, 2026.

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Click HERE for the 2026 Application for the Dr. Warnell Scholarships 

-Due April 20, 2026