West Alabama Lawmaker Announces Creation Of UA Scholarship Honoring Charlie Kirk

TUSCALOOSA, AL — State Sen. Gerald Allen, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, on Monday announced the creation of the Charlie Kirk Memorial Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Allen said the new scholarship honors the late conservative activist and is geared toward supporting future student leaders from Tuscaloosa County.

The scholarship will be administered by The University of Alabama National Alumni Association and will provide annual financial awards to incoming or continuing undergraduate students.

Allen says priority will be given to full-time freshmen or current undergraduates from Tuscaloosa County who demonstrate leadership, strong moral character, civic engagement or public service, as shown through on- and off-campus activities, and who have financial need as determined by federal aid guidelines.

He then said an essay will be required as part of the application process.

“Charlie Kirk stood for perseverance, leadership and the ideal of serving something bigger than oneself,” Allen said Monday. “By establishing this scholarship at The University of Alabama, we honor his legacy and invest in the next generation of leaders from our state who will carry forward those same values.”

Allen also said he believes higher education, civic involvement and robust debate are key paths to opportunity for young Alabamians and emphasized that the scholarship is intended for students who reflect what he described as Kirk’s "character and convictions."

“Charlie Kirk was an American patriot whose passion for faith and freedom inspired a generation,” Allen said. “He dedicated his life to helping young Americans rediscover that faith in God, liberty and hard work is what makes our nation great.”

The National Alumni Association will review applications and oversee the ongoing administration of the fund.

Allen pointed out that he is providing the initial funding for the endowment, but additional contributions are being encouraged to expand its impact.

He said individuals, organizations and corporate partners may donate through the UA National Alumni Association.

“By God’s grace, Charlie will never be forgotten, and through this scholarship, his life’s work will continue through the students who rise up to lead with the same moral courage, conviction and love of God and country that defined his life,” Allen said.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.