Youth Scholarship

  • Kathy Kirschbaum

    Kirschbaum was the first female mayor of Davenport and a civic leader for many years.

  • Karen Fitzsimmons

    Fitzsimmons was the Scott County Auditor for more than 30 years.

Kathy Kirschbaum and Karen Fitzsimmons were extraordinary women whose hard work, perseverance, dedication to fairness, and progressive actions inspired others. Kathy served as the first female mayor of Davenport and Karen as the first female auditor of the county.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from a Scott County high school in the academic year of 2023-2024.  This student must be accepted for initial enrollment in an accredited post-secondary educational program in the United States for the academic year 2024-2025.  Eligible programs include 4-year colleges, community colleges, vocational, technical, trade schools, and union apprenticeships.

Students can access applications at all Scott County high school guidance offices.

Applications must be submitted to the scholarship committee by U.S. mail.  The submission postmark deadline is May 1, 2024.

For more information, contact Dr. Henry Brockington at Henrybrockingtondc85@gmail.com

Ellie Bloodsworth Awarded Scott County Democrats Kirschbaum-Fitzsimmons Scholarship

Recipient, Ellie Bloodsworth was presented with a $1,000 scholarship. The daughter of Todd and Beth Bloodsworth, Ellie will graduate from Central High School, Davenport. She will continue her education at DePaul University in Chicago, majoring in Psychology.

Her plan is to become a mental health therapist working with underserved and at-risk youth. Ellie has actively participated in Mentors in Violence Prevention Program, which is a gender violence, abuse, and bullying prevention program. Ellie is a representative in the Iowa Youth Congress, a volunteer mentor for ENGin, which pairs Ukrainian youth with English high schoolers to build communication skills and cross-cultural relationships. Ellie also found time to be a member of the Marching Blue Devils, Environmental Club, Girls Learn International, Central Golf team, National Honor Society, and part-time employment.

Ellie believes in social justice and equality which reflects the two women that this scholarship honors: Kathy Kirschbaum and Karen Fitzsimmons. Ellie feels honored to receive this scholarship and represent their legacies. Kathy served as the first female mayor of Davenport and Karen as the first female auditor of the county. Congratulations, Ellie!

Scholarship Recipient Ellie Bloodsworth with Scholarship Committee Chair Henry Brockington and Scott County Democrats Chair Kay Pence.