The Kimberly Coffey Foundation Memorial Nursing Scholarship is awarded in honor of Kimberly’s beautiful spirit to deserving HIGH SCHOOL seniorS IN NEW YORK STATE, who ARE pursuing a career in Nursing.
Kimberly was 17 years old when she died from Meningitis B one week before her 2012 high school graduation at East Islip High School in NY and three months before starting her nursing education at Molloy University in NY.
Kimberly’s dream was to be a pediatric nurse, and through this scholarship, we hope to keep her memory present through the next generation of nurses.
Although Kimberly was vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, she contracted Meningitis B. Unfortunately, a Meningitis B vaccine was not available in 2012. Today there is, and that is why one of the scholarship requirements is for the applicant to provide documentation of receiving both meningococcal vaccines - MenACWY as well as the additional Meningitis B vaccine (MenB). If applicable, documentation of receiving the new combination MenABCWY meningococcal vaccination will be accepted.
Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients:
Nicholas Longardino
Adelphi University
Alexandra Cortese
Siena College
Liana Esau
Adelphi University
Crystal Migliaccio
Adelphi University
Kailyn Bloch
Monmouth University
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
KatieAnne Guisto
St. Joseph's University
Gianna DeVellis
University of Virginia
Sara Vasquez
Catholic University of America
2022 recipient:
Samantha Panzella (Monmouth University)
2021 recipient:
Hannah Feeney (Molloy College)
2020 recipients:
Kaylee Matos (Adelphi University)
Taylor Ryan (St. Joseph’s College)
2019 recipient:
Kylie McConnell (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)
2022 recipient:
Madysen Thomas (University of Delaware)
2018 recipients:
Courtney Herrera (The College at Brockport)
Kaitlyn Burk (Plymouth State University)
2017 recipients:
Elizabeth Hillman (Long Island University/Post)
Emily Glennon (SUNY Plattsburgh)
2016 recipient:
Karlie Herrera (The College at Brockport)
2022 recipient:
Daniella Santoli (Molloy College)
2015 recipient:
Sean Glennon (Molloy College)
2014 recipients:
Salvatore Cipolla (Molloy College)
Bianca Warnken
2013 recipients:
Niamh Ashe (Quinnipiac University)
Marissa Quinn (Mt. St. Mary Nursing School)
To be considered for the Kimberly Coffey Foundation scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Senior at a high school located in New York State
Minimum GPA of 3.5 (transcript must be provided through Grade 12)
Provide an acceptance letter from an accredited AAS (RN) or BSN program (contingent/conditional acceptance letters will not be accepted)
Provide documentation of receiving the meningococcal vaccination (MenACWY) and booster, if indicated (medical exemptions are permitted)
Provide documentation of starting or completing a meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccination series (medical exemptions are permitted)
If applicable, provide documentation of receiving the new combination MenABCWY meningococcal vaccination (medical exemptions are permitted)
Provide a reference letter from one of their high school teachers
Provide a brief essay (250 words or less) stating why they have chosen nursing as a career, why they feel they are deserving of this scholarship, and how they will honor Kimberly with a focus on why Kimberly’s story has inspired them
Applications must be received by May 15. Winners will be announced in June. Applications are currently closed for the 2024 award cycle.
All applicants’ information will be kept strictly confidential and is solely visible to the Kimberly Coffey Foundation. Applicant photos are only published after written permission from the applicant.
Want to Donate to the Kimberly Coffey Foundation Memorial Nursing Scholarship?
Donations to the Kimberly Coffey Foundation Memorial Nursing Scholarship can be made through our DONATE page. The Kimberly Coffey Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Or checks can be made payable to:
The Kimberly Coffey Foundation
34 East Main Street, Suite 326
Smithtown, NY 11787