FIRST ANNUAL • CAROL GUNNERSON SCHOLARSHIP
Investing in Students. Strengthening Community.
The First Annual Carol Gunnerson Scholarship established in 2026, awards one scholarship each year to a Coachella Valley high school senior. The award amount varies annually based on donations designated specifically for the scholarship, with service, character and positive impact on the Adaptive/Special Needs Community at the heart of the selection process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE May 1 of the current year
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Honoring Carol. Supporting Students Who Make a Difference.
Established in 2026, Kelsey’s Heroes awards one Carol Gunnerson Scholarship each year to a Coachella Valley high school senior. The award amount is determined annually by donations designated specifically for the scholarship. The Executive Board reviews the applications and selects the recipient, who will be recognized at a scholarship presentation. The recipient may also be recognized by name and photo in Kelsey’s Heroes scholarship announcements and communications.
The scholarship honors Carol Gunnerson, grandmother of Ryan Gunnerson—one of Kelsey’s Heroes’ first players, now in his thirteenth year with the program and serving as a player/coach. Carol was instrumental in the growth of Kelsey’s Heroes, and following her passing, the organization established this scholarship to recognize her lasting contribution to the program.
At a Glance
Who
Coachella Valley high school seniors • One recipient each year
Deadline
May 1 of the current year
Submission
Certified Mail
Package
Application + supporting materials. One scholarship awarded annually; award amount varies based on scholarship-designated donations.
WHO CAN APPLY
Eligibility
High School Senior
Applicants must be high school seniors in the Coachella Valley.
Continuing Education
Applicants should plan to attend a college, university, vocational school or technical school.
Deeds & Community Impact
Selection gives primary weight to the student’s deeds, service and positive impact on the Adaptive/Special Needs Community in the Coachella Valley. There is no minimum GPA requirement; GPA is considered secondary.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Required Materials
01
Scholarship Application
Signed and dated by both the applicant and their High School Guidance Counselor.
02
School & Community Activities Form
List activities, leadership roles and special honors since ninth grade.
03
Essay
No more than one page, double spaced, using 12pt font.
04
Official School Transcript
Include an official copy of the applicant’s school transcript.
05
Letter of Acceptance
Include a copy from the school the applicant is planning to attend.
06
Two Letters of Recommendation
Include two letters of recommendation with the application package.
THE ESSAY
Tell Us Your Story
Explain how you have made a positive impact on the Adaptive/Special Needs Community in the Coachella Valley.
Briefly describe how the Adaptive/Special Needs Community has touched and enriched your life.
Essay Requirements
01 No more than one page
02 Double spaced
03 12pt font
THE PROCESS
Simple Steps to Apply
01
Complete
Fill out the scholarship materials in Microsoft Word.
02
Print & Sign
The applicant and Guidance Counselor sign the required application.
03
Assemble
Include the application and all six required supporting materials.
04
Send
Mail the complete package by Certified Mail no later than May 1.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Prepare the Information You’ll Need
Have your school information, Guidance Counselor information, class rank, weighted and unweighted GPA, area of study, and intended college, university, vocational school or technical school available. There is no minimum GPA requirement; GPA is reviewed as a secondary factor alongside the applicant’s deeds and community impact.
Mail Your Application
KELSEY’S HEROES, INC.
ATTN: SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
4300 SHASTA PLACE
INDIO, CA 92201
Certified Mail deadline: May 1 of the current year.