The Kiwanis Club of the Silver Valley is working to expand its scholarship program after seeing record interest from local high school seniors this year. While the club awarded three renewable scholarships in 2025, leaders say more outreach and fundraising are needed to meet growing demand. 

“In 2025 we had the most applicants that we have ever had,” said Tristen Straw, president of the Kiwanis Club of the Silver Valley. “With that being said we still only had 16 seniors apply and that includes all three high schools in the Silver Valley. We need to spread the word to the high schools, teachers, and parents so they know what opportunities are out there.” 

The club currently offers three scholarships of $1,000 each, renewable annually for up to four years. Students can use the funds at community colleges, universities, or trade schools. There are few requirements beyond enrollment in higher education, though volunteering and extracurricular activities weigh heavily in the selection process. 

The scholarships are funded primarily through local events such as Concert in the Garden. Currently, the club provides up to three scholarships across the Silver Valley’s three high schools, depending on applicant strength. 

Increasing the number or size of scholarships remains a challenge. 

“We would like to increase that amount or the number of scholarships that we offer, however we need to fundraise more money,” Straw said. 

To meet that goal, the club is planning a new fundraiser this spring, a golf tournament that Straw hopes will become its largest event yet. The tournament is expected to bolster scholarship funds and help the club fulfill its mission of serving local youth. 

Kiwanis Clubs worldwide focus primarily on serving children, which accounts for about 40% of their mission efforts. Community service projects make up roughly 30%, while leadership development programs represent 20%. Scholarship support, though smaller at 10%, remains an important part of their commitment to education and youth opportunities. Together, these priorities reflect Kiwanis’ goal of creating meaningful and lasting impacts in communities. 

“Our goal is to help and serve the children of the Silver Valley,” Straw said. “We want to make a meaningful and lasting difference in all of their lives.”