McKinney Library Volunteer Scholarship
Celebrating service. Investing in what comes next.
The McKinney Public Library Foundation Scholarship recognizes local high school seniors who give their time to the McKinney Public Library—and helps them take the next step toward their future.
About the Scholarship
Honoring the students who show up for their library.
This merit-based scholarship celebrates local high school seniors whose volunteer service strengthens the McKinney Public Library and the community it serves.
Student volunteers help bring programs to life, create welcoming spaces, and make the library a place where people of all ages can learn, connect, and belong. Through this scholarship, the Foundation recognizes their dedication and invests in what they will accomplish next.
$7,000+
Volunteer hours supported library programming in FY2025.
20
Library volunteer hours required to apply.
62
Hours contributed by the 2026 scholarship recipient.
Who Can Apply
Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must meet all three requirements below to be considered for the McKinney Public Library Foundation Scholarship.
Graduating Senior
Applicant must be a senior attending a public, private, trade, charter, or home school.
Library Service
Applicant must complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service with the McKinney Public Library System.
Staff Recommendation
Applicant must provide a letter of recommendation from a McKinney Public Library staff member.
Scholarship recipients are selected through a collaborative review by the McKinney Public Library Foundation Board and McKinney Public Library System staff.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How to Apply for the 2027 Scholarship
Follow these steps to request and submit your application. We look forward to learning more about your service, experiences, and future goals.
1
January 1, 2027
Scholarship applications become available.
2
Request an Application
Email admin@mckinneyplf.org to request an application. The Foundation will verify your volunteer service and provide a link to the application.
3
March 15, 2027
Submit your completed application and recommendation letter no later than March 15, 2027.
4
March 31, 2027
The Foundation will announce the scholarship recipient no later than March 31, 2027.
5
Reception
The scholarship recipient and their family will be invited to attend to a reception in the spring to receive their award.
2026 RECIPIENT
Congratulations, Sai!
Sai contributed 62 volunteer hours to the McKinney Public Library before receiving the 2026 McKinney Public Library Foundation Scholarship at McKinney City Hall.
We are proud to celebrate Sai’s dedication to service and excited to see all that lies ahead.
MADE POSSIBLE BY COMMUNITY
Honoring the People behind the opportunity.
The 2026 scholarship was made possible by a generous gift from the estate of Patricia F. Bradford.
Previous scholarship support has included a generous gift from Jean Brown; a scholarship given in memory of Sophie Kyle by her granddaughter, Lawre Alexander, and daughter, Kay Kyle Alexander; and a gift from the David & Kay Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Abilene.
Their generosity helps celebrate young volunteers and create meaningful opportunities for the students who give their time to McKinney’s libraries.
SCHOLARSHIP FAQ
Questions Before You Apply
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, recommendations, applications, and important dates.
How many volunteer hours do I need?
Applicants must complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service with the McKinney Public Library System.
Who can provide my recommendation?
Your recommendation letter must come from a McKinney Public Library staff member familiar with your volunteer service.
How do I request an application?
Beginning January 1, 2027, email admin@mckinneyplf.org. The Foundation will verify your volunteer service and send you a link to the application.
When will the recipient be announced?
The 2027 scholarship recipient will be announced no later than March 31, 2027.