Master Gunsmith Kip Carpenter Memorial Scholarship

Master Gunsmith Kip Carpenter Memorial Scholarship

Biography

Born on April 11, 1963, in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, Kip Carpenter was a devoted gunsmith, instructor, and mentor whose expertise and passion left a lasting impact on the firearms industry and the students he taught.

Kip’s journey into gunsmithing began at the age of 14 under the guidance of his godfather, a competitive shooter and professional gunsmith. Over the course of his career, he mastered firearm repair, machining, welding, and refinishing, accumulating over 35 years of experience. His commitment to the craft led him to establish American Gunsmithing in Columbia, Tennessee, which quickly became one of the premier gunsmithing shops in the state.

Beyond his career in gunsmithing, Kip served as a Constable and worked in high-risk security and dignitary protection, where he also acted as a team armorer. In 2015, Kip joined Sonoran Desert Institute as an instructor and ultimately became the Staff Master Gunsmith and a lead instructor. His mission was to help SDI build the finest gunsmithing program in the United States, sharing his knowledge and experience with future generations of gunsmiths.

Kip’s passions extended beyond firearms. He was an avid outdoorsman, musician, and gemology enthusiast, bringing joy and inspiration to those around him. His legacy lives on through the students he mentored, the firearms he masterfully crafted, and the scholarship created in his honor at Sonoran Desert Institute.

Overview

The Master Gunsmith Kip Carpenter Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Kip Carpenter, a revered master gunsmith who dedicated his life to craftsmanship, education, and mentorship. This scholarship supports and inspires the next generation of gunsmiths pursuing their education at Sonoran Desert Institute.

The scholarship provides full tuition and fees each semester for two recipients, one in the fall and one in the spring.

Initial Eligibility Requirements:

The Master Gunsmith Kip Carpenter Memorial Scholarship is a full academic scholarship for SDI’s Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing or Associate of Science in Firearms Technology degree program. All applying candidates must:

• Submit a regular SDI application for enrollment with all relevant supporting documentation.
• Meet eligibility requirements for their selected program of study as outlined in Sonoran Desert Institute’s Catalog.
• Demonstrate a passion for gunsmithing through personal experience, apprenticeship, professional involvement, or related activities by answering essay questions.
• Highlight any community involvement or volunteer work, particularly in craftsmanship or technical trades by answering essay questions. 
• Submit a letter of recommendation from an instructor, employer, or professional mentor, or a non-family member.
• Submit a portfolio showcasing gunsmithing projects, technical achievements, or related craftsmanship.
  This portfolio is required and should demonstrate your skills, attention to detail, and commitment to the craft. It may include photos, videos, and documentation of completed projects, in-progress work, or related technical accomplishments.
  
  Acceptable submission formats include:

• • A single PDF file with embedded images, descriptions, and links
  • A PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation
  • A link to a hosted video (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo)
    

• Please ensure your portfolio is clearly labeled with your full name. If submitting a link, make sure it is publicly viewable without login or special access permissions. Your portfolio must be uploaded as part of the scholarship application.

 

Continuing Eligibility: Recipients of the Master Gunsmith Kip Carpenter Memorial Scholarship must:

• Comply with SDI’s Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements and be free of any financial holds on their accounts.
• Maintain eligibility requirements for their selected program of study as outlined in Sonoran Desert Institute’s Catalog.
• Remain continuously enrolled to maintain scholarship eligibility and achieve a 3.0 Cumulative GPA.

Application: Applicants must complete an SDI Enrollment Application and the Master Gunsmith Kip Carpenter Memorial Scholarship Application with all relevant supporting documents by the deadlines below. If you have any questions, please contact scholarship@sdi.edu.

• By Noon Mountain Standard Time on November 30 for the spring award.
• By Noon Mountain Standard Time on May 31 for the fall award.

Essay: Applicants must answer the prompt (maximum 1,000 words). The essay will be based on quality, content, organization, and proper formatting, grammar, and spelling.

• The essay prompt will be published on the application and is subject to change during each scholarship cycle
• The essay should be submitted as a .pdf file that contains a cover page, is double-spaced, and in 12-point Times New Roman font. Your viewpoint and the essay’s purpose should be clearly established and sustained. The essay should follow the conventions of Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.).

Award Procedures: Applicants will receive an email notification regarding their award status approximately 30 days after the scholarship application deadline.

• The chosen recipient must respond within 30 days, indicating their intent to accept the scholarship.
• Students who are awarded an SDI Scholarship are responsible for the charges obtained within the semester in which they are currently enrolled. The SDI Scholarship will be awarded at the start of the next full semester after the approval date.
• Scholarship recipients may only be awarded this scholarship once in their lifetime. This policy ensures that the available funds can support a broader range of students in achieving their educational goals.