NEW ANDY PROKOP “ALWAYS POSITIVE” SCHOLARSHIP TO SUPPORT SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY STUDENTS FROM MILITARY FAMILIES
United Way of San Joaquin County and Lodi Community Foundation announce new scholarship honoring beloved community leader and Vietnam War veteran Andy Prokop
STOCKTON, Calif., November 5, 2026 — United Way of San Joaquin County, in partnership with the Lodi Community Foundation, is proud to announce the establishment of the Andy Prokop “Always Positive” Scholarship, created to support graduating high school seniors from military families as they pursue their educational and career goals.
This scholarship will award two students up to $2,500 each to be used toward enrollment at a college, university, or trade or vocational school. It honors the legacy of Andy Prokop, beloved community leader, Vietnam War Veteran, and former United Way of San Joaquin County CEO. United Way of San Joaquin County’s current Executive Director, Kristen Birtwhistle, shares, “Andy truly lived up to his initials, AP—Always Positive. He was a force for good in our county. This memorial scholarship is a testament to the amazing man that Andy was and those he served during his time in our community. He was a role model, a man of faith and family and someone who will forever be embedded in our hearts and mind.”
The scholarship is anticipated to be awarded annually, subject to available funding. Eligible applicants must be a graduating senior with financial need in San Joaquin County that plans to attend a two-year or four-year college, university, trade or vocational school and is the child, sibling, or legal ward of a current military service member or veteran. Applications will open Thursday, November 5th, 2026 until Sunday, February 28th, 2027. Scholarships are anticipated to be announced in May of 2027.
About United Way of San Joaquin County and the Lodi Community Foundation
Since 1926, United Way of San Joaquin County’s mission has been to strengthen San Joaquin County by mobilizing the caring power of communities. It’s estimated that over $100 million has been raised and invested back into the community to uplift nonprofits and support programs in the community. The Andy Prokop Scholarship is a charitable fund held and administered by Lodi Community Foundation as part of its core work managing charitable funds in partnership with local donors and nonprofits.