The Krenov School Nine-Month Program Scholarship Application

About The Krenov Foundation

The mission of The Krenov Foundation is to promote and encourage excellence in woodworking, as exemplified by the work and writings of James Krenov. Through programs such as The Krenov Archive, scholarships for The Krenov School, and support for exhibitions, we seek to share Krenov’s vision and to nurture a diverse, inclusive and thriving community of craftspeople.

Our scholarship program aims to make The Krenov School’s Nine-Month Fine Woodworking Program accessible to all those who may not otherwise be able to participate without financial assistance. While most scholarships are open to all students, we offer some scholarships specifically for those who have been historically underrepresented in the field of fine woodworking as a reflection of our commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 
For the 2025-2026 Academic School Year, we have scholarships available ranging from $3,000 to $7,500 each for The Krenov School's Nine-Month Fine Woodworking Program. Students are eligible to receive multiple scholarships.

Available Scholarships for 2025-2026 Academic School Year

Below is a list of the scholarships available through The Krenov Foundation for the 2025-2026 Academic School Year. Awards are based on a combination of merit and financial need, with some scholarships having specific eligibility criteria.

• The Women in Woodworking Scholarship awards for women entering either their first or second year, thanks to funding from the Maxwell-Hanrahan Foundation.
• The BIPOC Nine-Month Scholarship for first- or second-year students who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Formerly known as the Linh Bui Minority Scholarship in Woodworking.
• The LGBTQ+ Scholarship, newly established in 2025, for a first- or second-year student who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
• The Jack Romine Scholarship for a first-year student, honoring Jack Romine’s admiration for fine craftsmanship and the beauty of wood.
• The Smith-Sorenson Scholarship for one second-year student and one first-year student, honoring Greg Smith and Todd Sorenson’s dedication to teaching and mentorship at the Krenov School.
• The Burns-Budlong Scholarship for any student, named in honor of Michael Burns and Jim Budlong, who both played pivotal roles in shaping The Krenov School.
• The David Welter Scholarship for a second-year student, in recognition of David Welter’s lifelong commitment to supporting students of the Krenov School and the broader field of fine woodworking.

Pursuing an education at The Krenov School in Fort Bragg, California, is a significant investment. While tuition is a fixed cost, students should also consider the additional expenses of travel, housing, tools, and materials, which can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Please provide an essay (500-600 words) explaining your financial need and the circumstances that have led you to apply for a scholarship. We encourage you to address the following:

• Current Financial Challenges: Share any financial stressors or hardships you are facing, such as limited income, high debt, family responsibilities, medical expenses, or other financial obligations.
• Discrepancies from Financial Documents: If applicable, explain any unique circumstances not reflected in your prior year’s AGI or additional income, such as recent changes in employment, unexpected expenses, or other factors impacting your financial stability.
• Impact of the Scholarship: Describe how receiving this scholarship would make a difference in your ability to attend The Krenov School and how it aligns with your personal, educational, or professional goals.

We value your honesty. Your response will help us better understand your situation and assess your eligibility for financial assistance. We also recognize that financial matters can be deeply personal and we vow to respect your privacy.

Please submit up to five photographs (.jpg only) of your relevant work. We encourage woodworking projects, but you may also include images that demonstrate other high-craft skills.

Max file size: 10mb

Please also submit a single document (.pdf only) with information for each image, including:

• Image file name
• Year completed
• Title of the work (if applicable)
• Dimensions (if applicable)
• Materials used

Two letters of recommendation are a required part of this application.  Academic or professional recommendations are encouraged, but references may also be personal connections such as friends, family members, or community leaders who can speak to your dedication, work ethic, and potential to succeed in this program.

• Letters must be uploaded by the reference to using our Letter of Recommendation form (available here) no later than March 31, 2025.
• Letters must be uploaded by the recommenders. Any letters submitted by the student/applicant will not be considered.
• You will be sent a confirmation email when your reference submits their Letter of Recommendation.
• Applications will not be considered complete until both letters of recommendation have been submitted. We encourage you to remind your references of the deadline if the deadline is approaching and you have not received the confirmation email.

Please provide contact information for your references below.

The Krenov Foundation is proud to offer several scholarships designed to support individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the craft and woodworking community. These scholarships aim to create greater access and opportunity for emerging makers. 

If selected for a scholarship, I understand that:

• Scholarships are valid only for the 2025-2026 Nine-Month Fine Woodworking Program and cannot be transferred to another year.
• If I am unable to attend The Krenov School or otherwise wish to decline the scholarship, I will notify The Krenov Foundation promptly so the scholarship can be extended to another applicant.
• Declining a scholarship in a timely manner will not impact future scholarship eligibility.
• If I am unable to complete the full Academic School Year due to unforeseen circumstances, I will return any unused portion of the scholarship to The Krenov Foundation, so that these funds can be allocated to future students.