You heard the news: KC Scholars decided to host an in-person 5th Anniversary Celebration in spring. Patiently waiting allows the opportunity for Scholars and their families to come together with community stakeholders in person – and to celebrate the Scholars. We want to keep Scholars at the center of our Celebration and being in person together will be a true celebration and something fitting our KC Scholars standards and brand. Please stay connected for details of our coming Celebration! |
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“Liz Espino-Reynoso said she may have not gotten her college degree without the financial help from the KC Scholars scholarship program.” — By Joe Arce and Corey Crable  |
| Near 120 KC Scholars Adult Learners have already earned their credit-bearing degree, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree. Adult learner applicants can apply each fall and again during the regular application cycle in January. Applications are open now and through November 19. Visit kcscholars.org/adult-learner to learn more. |
John Sherman, regional philanthropist and business and civic leader, sat down with KC Scholars President and CEO Dr. Beth Tankersley-Bankhead to talk about the impact KC Scholars has had in our community and what the future may hold. 
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KC Scholars reached to the states of KS and MO and to cities in the six-county service area and invited them to celebrate our 5th Anniversary by issuing a proclamation celebrating the milestone. The KC Scholars team visited city council meetings to accept proclamations, received from Leawood, Lenexa, Westwood Hills, and DeSoto in KS and Claycomo, Kearney, Grain Valley, Lake Lotawana, North Kansas City, and Harrisonville in MO. We also received a proclamation from the KS and MO Governors and a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives. See proclamations pictured above, and Amy Polen (left) of KC Scholars accepting a proclamation from Mayor Michael Boehm from the City of Lenexa. |
| As of Fall 2021, there are four cohorts of 11th grade awardees enrolled in college. While nationwide, college enrollment rates have dropped 7% and dropped 11% for high schools with large low-income populations – KC Scholars students continue to enroll in college at very high rates, even during the global pandemic. |
| KC Scholars would never be where we are today without early and consistent support of donors. We thank you and look forward to many great years ahead. Look for these billboards around the region – and consider donating in honor of the 5th Anniversary of KC Scholars. |
| “The consistency and effort Ricketts displayed during high school made him a perfect candidate for KC Scholars. Applying was a priority for Ricketts so he could lift the financial burden off his parents. During his junior year, Ricketts got the news he earned the KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship Award, which provides students 50,000 dollars towards their college education.” “Omg it was such a blessing to earn a scholarship that could change the rest of my life. I feel like the scholarship I was able to gain from KC Scholars allowed me to put myself in the best position to be able to get a degree and stay financially free.” “Ricketts is going to graduate debt free because of KC Scholars and other scholarships that he was able to receive through Mizzou. With no financial stress, Ricketts hit the ground running before setting foot on MU’s campus.” |
| — By Christian McDonald Published on Oct. 6, 2021 |
| The video below was produced by the UMKC Marketing Team, in partnership with the Office of Admissions, and showcases how UMKC supports KC Scholars enrolled at their campus. |
Scholars may use their scholarship at 17 campuses in the KC Scholars Postsecondary Network. Each campus is expected and happy to connect with and provide support to Scholars from before they enroll on campus through degree completion. Seamless support through KC Scholars – from 9th grade, 11th grade, or as returning Adult Learners through postsecondary completion – is a critical component of program design and fosters Scholar success. Examples shown below include the KU Chancellor hosting a reception to meet Scholars and MU holding a meet-n-greet event through the CASE Program for Scholars to meet campus leaders and learn about support programs. Read the article in the MU news at: https://case.missouri.edu/together-again-kc-scholars-and-stakeholders-gather-for-welcome-to-mizzou-meet-greet/?s=09 which features UM System President Dr. Mun Choi visiting with Scholars. |
Great news – 137 KC Scholars have completed a credit-bearing credential or degree. Of them, 119 are Adult Learners, 17 are 11th grade awardees, and one is a 9th grade awardee. Of the graduates, 71 completed their terminal degree and 48 are continuing for their next higher degree. |
We must not - we dare not - forget the positive impact of education. Education changes life trajectories, is key to inclusive prosperity, is critical to our region's workforce, and is requisite to achieving racial equality. This #GivingTuesday, help KC Scholars in our mission to increase postsecondary attainment in the greater Kansas City area. |
| Right now, we are all looking for ways to make a difference. Our Scholars will racially and ethnically diversify our regional workforce. We encourage you to support our Scholars. Consider giving to provide deserving students the opportunity for a postsecondary education.
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8080 Ward Parkway, Suite 402 Kansas City, MO 64114 |
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