RESOURCES
- Review the Adult Learner Application Checklist
- Reach to us for assistance. You can attend a virtual application workshop, email, or call.
- Watch this video for a walkthrough of the Adult Learner Scholarship application
- Watch this video for an overview of the Adult Learner Scholarship program
FAQs
- Age 24 and up (as of August 31, 2021)
- Live in one of the six eligible counties (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson. Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
- Low- to modest-income. Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be 12,000 or less.
- Previously earned at least 12 college credits at an accredited, Title IV, postsecondary institution and has not earned a degree OR have previously earned an associate degree and will use the scholarship to earn a bachelor’s degree
- Not enrolled in a postsecondary institution for Fall 2020
- Lawfully present in the United States OR DACA eligible and DACA applied/approved
If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA or have additional questions, kcscholars.org/efc.
If you know you are ready to go back to college, we suggest you apply during the Early Award Application Cycle. Awardees will be notified in December 2019 providing more time to prepare and enroll in college by Fall 2020.
Adults can apply in either the Early Award Application Cycle (October 1 – November 20, 2019) or the General Award Application Cycle (January 1 – February 28, 2020).
KC Scholars will begin hosting information sessions for the 2022 scholarship application in the fall of 2021. Check back for details.
To remain eligible once enrolled in college, adult learners must meet minimum annual requirements and complete a short renewal application each year to determine continued eligibility. To remain eligible, adult learners must also maintain continuous enrollment, either full-time or part-time, with summer enrollment optional.
Please review the Program Guidelines carefully for any additional questions.
WHAT CURRENT ADULT LEARNER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES ARE SAYING
Since May 2017, KC Scholars has awarded 424 Adult Learner Scholarships, and over 30 awardees have already completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
- Nothing will stop them from completing their degree this time
- They want to complete the degree to be a role model for their children
- They thought they would never go back and complete college and now they CAN and are
- They feel proud to be part of a community that invests in them and they want to make a positive impact in Kansas City
- They want to increase their job opportunities and earning potential to make a better life for their family
- Some are back in college at the same time as their children who received 9thor 11th grade awards
ADULTS – COLLEGE IS STILL POSSIBLE
In the 6 counties served by KC Scholars, there are 281,000 adults with some college and no degree and 96,000 with an associate's but not bachelor's degree.
The Adult Learner scholarship is given to adults with some college, but no degree, or to associate’s degree earners who want to complete a bachelors. Adult learners can receive up to $5,000 per year for up to 5 years and can enroll full-time or part-time. Applicants must be at least 24 years old at the time of college enrollment in Fall 2020 and have previously earned at least 12 college credits.
If this describes you, watch the video!