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Student Scholarships

Student Scholarship Applications Opening Soon!

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By Lisa-Behrens Smith

Writers of Kern is opening its application period for student scholarships beginning December 1 and continuing through February 2027.

Scholarships are open to students enrolled in English or writing courses in Kern County public or private high school, community college, or university programs. Awards will be made to students of high school age through re-entry of any age. Adult students are encouraged to apply.

This year’s scholarships will include:

  • One year membership in Writers of Kern and California Writers Club
  • Opportunities to participate in writing competitions and publications
  • Social Media postings and celebrations
  • Paid attendance at Writers of Kern conference in Spring of 2027
  • Paid attendance at three workshops through the membership year
  • Stipends for student needs in various amounts determined by Writers of Kern’s Board (tba)

The scholarship application can be found at https://writersofkern.com/student-member-scholarships/ beginning December 1, 2027.

Questions can be directed to Lisa-Behrens Smith, Events Coordinator and Critique Group Coordinator for Writers of Kern, at wokwritersrow@gmail.com

Kern County Supervisors Parlier and Flores Support Writers of Kern Student Scholarships

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By Lisa-Behrens Smith

Thanks to Kern County Supervisor Chris Parlier (District 2) and Supervisor Jeff Flores (District 3) for their generous gifts in support of the Writers of Kern Student Scholarships. The areas served by these supervisors include a large part of Kern County, and their gifts show their commitment to writing and literacy in all of Kern County.

The supervisors serve constituents in:

  • Tehachapi, California City, Taft, and Maricopa
  • Rosamond, Boron, Mojave, Frazier Park, Lebec, and Randsburg
  • Parts of south and southwest Bakersfield
  • Oildale
  • East Bakersfield
  • East Niles
  • Country Club
  • Benton Park
  • Goodmanville
  • Hillcrest
  • La Cresta
  • Old Stine
  • Olde Stockdale
  • Rivergrove

The addition of their gifts brings our scholarship fund to approximately $2000.

Please take a moment to express your thanks by calling Supervisor Parlier at 661-868-3660 or drop an email to district2@kerncounty.com 

You can contact Supervisor Flores at 661-868-3670 or contact in writing at district3@kerncounty.com

Kern  County Board of Supervisors Support Literacy

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by Kathleen Kline
President, Writers of Kern

Writers of Kern, a branch of the California Writers Club, is a group of professional writers who gather together to not only make their writing better but expand the knowledge and support of the craft of professional writing.

To that end, WOK is offering Student Scholarships.

“WOK’s 30th Anniversary celebration has been kicked off with the start of our Student Scholarships,” WOK President Kathleen Kline said. “And with the help of many, including our spearheading author and Fairfax teacher Lisa Smith (pen name: Lisa-Behrens Smith) our scholarship offerings are growing.”

Much excitement is being generated with widespread community support.

“I’m so excited and thankful for Kern County District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores’s $500 donation that was followed up by District 2 Supervisor Chris Parlier adding another $500 donation,” Smith said.

“We are excited and grateful for the Kern County Supervisors’ gracious donations, because this will help us provide more WOK Student Scholarships for students who are interested in the area of writing,” Smith said. “The folks in Kern County are lucky to have these gentlemen choose to join in on the support and celebration of those who wish to further their proper education in writing.”

These targeted funds, Kline said, will help support students enrolled in high school, college, and university who are enrolled in English, Literature, or any other Writing majors at any Kern County educational institution, including re-entry student(s) of any age!

For those interested in finding out if they qualify for the WOK Student Scholarship, go to Writers of Kern’s website, WritersOfKern.com, and click on the “Members” tab to find out how easy it is for those interested in furthering literacy to qualify for the WOK Student Scholarship. Or call Kathleen Kline at 661-972-9102.

“Additionally, if you’d like to contribute donations, please feel free to visit the above website or the 2nd WOK Writers Row, Sat., Nov. 28 at Russo’s Book Store on New Stine Rd., or visit WritersOfKern.com under the ‘Upcoming Events’ tab,” Smith encouraged.

Or you can donate directly here:
https://writersofkern.com/donate-to-student-scholarships/