David Shinn Family Scholarship Endowment

David Shinn Family Scholarship Endowment

Funder: Phi Theta Kappa Foundation

Status: Active (established January 2026)

Overview: A permanent scholarship fund created by Ambassador David H. Shinn to support high-achieving community college students pursuing careers related to international affairs.

Focus Areas

• Primary Focus: International affairs careers
• Academic Excellence: High-achieving students
• Financial Need: Students demonstrating financial need receive preference
• Educational Level: Support for students continuing education toward a bachelor's degree

Eligibility

• Community college students
• Demonstrating academic excellence
• Demonstrating financial need
• Preference for students planning careers in international affairs
• Students preparing for global engagement and service

Background

Created by Ambassador David H. Shinn, a PTK Distinguished Alumnus (1996) and former PTK Foundation Trustee. Shinn began his own academic journey at Yakima Valley Community College before transferring to The George Washington University. He had a 37-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service with ambassadorial appointments to Burkina Faso and Ethiopia.

Contact Information

Organization: Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Website: ptkfoundation.org Executive Director: Amanda Karpinski Gorman