Steps to apply for Kansas Promise Scholarship
The Kansas Promise Scholarship is an innovative, needs-based financial aid program established to provide access to higher education for Kansas residents. This scholarship is designed to help students pursue degrees or credentials in high-demand fields that are essential for the state’s workforce development. By removing financial barriers, the Kansas Promise Scholarship encourages students to attend community or technical colleges within Kansas, thereby contributing to the state’s economic growth and development.
The Kansas Promise Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for students who may not otherwise be able to afford college tuition. It covers tuition, fees, books, and other course-related materials after other forms of financial aid are applied. This scholarship aims to support students in gaining the skills and education needed for careers in fields such as health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and early childhood education.
Eligibility for Kansas Promise Scholarship
To be eligible for the Kansas Promise Scholarship, students must meet certain requirements. They must be Kansas residents, have graduated from a Kansas high school, earned a GED, or be a dependent of military personnel stationed in Kansas. The scholarship is available to both recent high school graduates and adult learners who want to return to school to gain new skills.
Additionally, applicants must be enrolled in an eligible program at a community college or technical college in Kansas. These programs are typically two-year courses of study or shorter certificate programs in high-demand industries identified by the Kansas Board of Regents. The scholarship is particularly aimed at students pursuing careers that are crucial to Kansas’s workforce needs, such as health care, technology, and manufacturing.
How the Kansas Promise Scholarship Works
The Kansas Promise Scholarship is considered a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning it covers the remaining tuition, fees, books, and supplies after other forms of financial aid have been applied. This includes grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The scholarship can cover up to the full cost of attendance, ensuring that students don’t have to worry about the financial burden of attending college.
Once awarded, students are required to maintain eligibility by completing their course of study within 30 months. They must also sign a service agreement, committing to live and work in Kansas for two years after completing their program. This service requirement ensures that the scholarship not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the state’s workforce by retaining skilled professionals within Kansas.
High-Demand Programs Covered by the Kansas Promise Scholarship
The Kansas Promise Scholarship covers a wide range of programs that are in high demand across the state. Some of the key fields include:
Health Care
Nursing, medical technology, and other health-related programs are covered, addressing the state's need for healthcare professionals.
Information Technology
Programs related to cybersecurity, computer programming, and IT support are eligible for funding.
Advanced Manufacturing
With a growing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing, the scholarship supports training in fields such as welding, industrial technology, and mechanical engineering.
Early Childhood Education
Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, the scholarship also covers programs that prepare students to work in this critical field.
These programs are vital to Kansas’s economy, and the scholarship ensures that there is a steady stream of qualified professionals to meet the state’s workforce needs.
Benefits of the Kansas Promise Scholarship
The Kansas Promise Scholarship offers numerous benefits, not only to the students who receive it but also to the state of Kansas. By providing financial support, the scholarship allows students to pursue higher education without the burden of debt. It also promotes workforce development in key areas, ensuring that Kansas remains competitive in fields like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
Additionally, the scholarship promotes retention of talent within the state. The service requirement ensures that graduates of Kansas colleges and technical schools contribute their skills to the Kansas economy, strengthening local industries and communities.
Who is eligible for the Kansas Promise Scholarship?
The Kansas Promise Scholarship is available to Kansas residents, high school graduates, GED holders, or dependents of military personnel stationed in Kansas. Applicants must be enrolled in an eligible program at a Kansas community or technical college.
What does the Kansas Promise Scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and other course-related materials after other forms of financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, are applied.
What are the service requirements for the Kansas Promise Scholarship?
Recipients of the scholarship must sign a service agreement, committing to live and work in Kansas for two years after completing their program of study.
Which programs are covered by the Kansas Promise Scholarship?
The scholarship cover programs in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and early childhood education. These programs are identified by the Kansas Board of Regents.
How long do students have to complete their program under the Kansas Promise Scholarship?
Students must complete their course of study within 30 months of starting their program to remain eligible for the scholarship.