Scholarships

   Scholarships   

We have scholarship opportunities available for participants who face difficulties raising funds for their trip. These scholarships are given in honor of people who have greatly influenced the Venture Expeditions Community.

   Scholarship Application Overview   

If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, follow these instructions:

1. Read about our scholarships below.
2. Apply online by April 1. Click Here to Apply.
3. Be prepared for a follow-up conversation with a scholarship administrator.
4. Receive notification regarding your application April 1.

   Katie Wingard Memorial Scholarship   

Scholarship Information:

Venture Expeditions and Katie Wingard

Venture Expeditions exists today because of the great faith of Katie Wingard.

When Venture Expeditions began the first trip across the United States in 2001, the three participants, Aaron, Jesse, and Mike, didn’t know if they would raise the $10,000 they projected as the goal. But they believed they could.

What they didn’t know is that Katie and Matt had determined to give a large sum they received from an inheritance to Venture. Katie knew they could have used it for buying a home, a new car, or putting into a 401K. But instead, she decided to give it to a worthy cause. When Aaron, Jesse, and Mike were taking off for their first day, they received a cellphone call. Katie and Matt’s donation achieved Venture Expedition’s goal on the first day.

After the success of the first cross-country trip, Venture kept growing. With the sacrifice Katie made, thousands of lives have been changed—and will continue to be changed.

About Katie Wingard

Katie Wingard knew what it meant to fight for something. She tackled difficult tasks, some of which come so easily for many of us—simple things such as breathing. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, Katie’s life represented a vitality and a faith through levels of hardship. All people she came in contact with got to know a sense of concern and love for those in less fortunate circumstances. Katie lived a joyful and thankful life, even in the midst of difficulty.

Her church community knew her loud laugh and looked forward to the Christmas play she wrote and directed every year. In 2009, Matt and Katie decided to adopt a baby girl name Allie. Shortly after beginning the adoption process, Katie found out she was pregnant. Although doctors had told them they would not be able to have a child, Katie gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Naomi, in 2010. But shortly after, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Katie contracted pneumonia. She fought bravely to stay alive, but ultimately her body gave way. She passed away in September of 2010.

   Wayne W. Smith Memorial Scholarship   

Scholarship Information:

About Wayne W. Smith

Information Coming Soon