Alchemist Opportunity Fund awards 16 scholarships
June 13, 2020 | News Release 
Jen at John Kimmich at their Stowe brewery. File photo by Gordon Miller.
The Alchemist Foundation has announced awards of 16 multi-year scholarships to 2020 graduates from Harwood Union High School, Stowe High School, Peoples Academy, Lamoille Union and local tech centers.
The Alchemist Opportunity Fund has been awarding scholarships for continuing education – 2-year college, 4-year college, and accredited training programs – since 2012. The scholarship is renewable per semester; students may be awarded up to $6,000 over four years.
The Foundation usually awards 12 scholarships, but this year Alchemist founders John and Jen Kimmich decided to dedicate funds to more students.
“We want our local young folks to know that we are looking to invest in their success. During this global pandemic they’re facing some tremendous uncertainty – we all are! – and we wanted to send the message that we’re rooting for all of you. We wish we could have given scholarships to every applicant, they are all terrific kids,” said Jen Kimmich, chair of the board of the Alchemist Foundation. “Whatever happens with their educational plan, we will be supporting them.”
Scholarship recipients must maintain a solid GPA in their program and stay in touch to receive ongoing support. The scholarship program is flexible -- students may take time off from their program and still have funds available when they return to school. Special consideration is given to students choosing programs in Vermont.
The 2020 scholarship recipients bring the total number of students awarded scholarships to 81, representing $480,000 in committed funds for local students since 2013.
This year’s scholarship recipients from Harwood Union High School are Desirae Byrd, Mia Cooper, Sierra Hayes, Laili Iskandarova and Levi Pratt.
Lamoille Union High School recipients are Addie Bonath*, Macey Brown*, Robin Granito, Raymond Lacasse*, Maple Snow and Wenzdae Wendling. Peoples Academy students with awards are Shawna Beattie*, Joe Dewan, Amy Yando and Nina Zheng; Ty Garon is the single recipient from Stowe High School.
Students marked with an asterisk (*) also attended a Career & Tech Education Center.
Started in 2016 by John and Jen Kimmich, the Alchemist Foundation aims to expand economic and educational opportunity for youth ages 16-24. It focuses on the towns in the Lamoille North & South and Harwood Unified school districts, from Eden to Warren. More information at alchemistopportunityfund.org