The Kristin Ciganek-Schroeder Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 to honor the memory of Lieutenant Kristin Ciganek-Schroeder and support women training for a career in the fire service. Lieutenant Ciganek was a proud member of the Milwaukee Fire Department for 15 years. She served her community for 13 years as a firefighter and for 2 years as a fire lieutenant. Lieutenant Ciganek was diagnosed with duty-related cancer in August 2012 at the age of 43, and she was forced to retire from the job she loved. She passed away in December 2017 at the age of 47.
Our scholarship process is now open!
Applications are due JuLy 1, 2026.
Interested Applicants Must Complete the Following:
- Download and complete the Kristin Ciganek-Schroeder Application Form PDF
- Obtain two letters of reference
- Prepare a short essay (no longer than two pages, single-spaced, 12pt. font, 1inch margins)
that addresses the following questions:
- Why have you chosen a career in the fire service?
- Describe your involvement and volunteerism in the community.
- Applicants must certify that all submitted essays are their own original work and not generated using AI tools.
For consideration, please submit the completed application form, essay, and letters of reference as a single PDF document to Maria@IgniteTheSpiritMKE.com
Past KCS Scholarship Recipients!
2025 Faith Grams
2023 Maya Pagel
2022 Katie Maerker
2021 Morgan Krause
