ADULT LEARNER

Adult Learner Scholarship applications are open January 1 – February 26, 2021

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What can I do now to prepare for the Adult Learner Scholarship Application?

FAQs

What are the eligibilty requirements for the Adult Learner Scholarship?

You must meet all of the following requirements to apply:

  1. Age 24 and up (as of August 31, 2021)
  2. Live in one of the six eligible counties (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson. Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Not enrolled in a postsecondary institution for Fall 2020
  6. Lawfully present in the United States OR DACA eligible and DACA applied/approved

How do I know if I am considered low- or modest-income for KC Scholars?

Adult Learner scholarship applicants must complete the 2021-22 FAFSA using your household 2019 income. If your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA is 12,000 or less, you are eligible to apply for KC Scholars.

If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA or have additional questions, kcscholars.org/efc.

Can I apply if I am currently enrolled in college?

You cannot be enrolled in a postsecondary institution for Fall 2020.

Can I apply even if I am not sure if my previous classes will transfer to another college?

Yes, you can apply to KC Scholars if you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements, including having previously earned at least 12 college credits at an accredited, Title IV postsecondary institution. Your selected college or university will determine if your credits can transfer, but it is not required that your credits transfer to receive the scholarship.

Can I apply if I need to work and can only go back to college part-time?

Yes, we realize that most adults will be balancing a busy life. Recipients of the adult learner scholarship may go to college part-time or full-time.

When can I apply for the Adult Learner Scholarship?

There are two award cycles for the Adult Learner Scholarship:
The Adult Learner Early Award Scholarship Application opens October 15, 2020. Deadline to apply is November 18, 2020.

The General Award Cycle Scholarship Application (for adult learners & 11th and 9th grade applicants) opens January 1, 2021. Deadline to apply is February 26, 2021.

Adult Learners will be awarded on December 13, 2020 and April 30, 2021.  Whether notification of award is received in December 2020 or April 2021, the KC Scholars’ scholarship will start in Fall 2021.

Note: For the Traditional Scholarship and College Savings Account/Match Program, 9th and 11th graders can register and apply from January 1 – February 26, 2021. Awards for 9th and 11th graders will be made on April 30, 2021.

Why is there an Early Award Application Cycle for Adult Learners? And Why Should I Apply Early?

New for the 2020 application, the KC Scholars’ Adult Learner Scholarship Application cycle is lengthened to provide greater accessibility and opportunity for adults.

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).

How can I learn more in-person?

All outreach and application assistance will be conducted virtually. We are still here to help! We encourage you to review this flyer to learn more about our live Q&A application assistance workshops conducted via Zoom and as always, you can reach to us at info@kcscholars.org or call 816.581.5700.

Ready to apply?

The General Award Cycle Scholarship Application (for adult learners & 11th and 9th grade applicants) opens January 1, 2021. Deadline to apply is February 26, 2021.

How many awards will be given?

Each year, up to 200 adult learner scholarships will be awarded.

If selected, how and when will I receive my scholarship?

Whether notification of Adult Learner scholarship award is received in December 2020 or April 2021, the KC Scholars’ scholarship will start in Fall 2021. Awardees may opt to enroll in college in Spring 2021 and/or Summer 2021 using other funding sources.

What is the value of the scholarship?

The adult learner scholarship is up to $5,000 a year, renewable for up to 5 years.  Award amounts vary depending on enrollment status and institution of enrollment.

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.

As a KC Scholars’ awardee will I receive any benefits in addition to financial assistance?

Yes! We want to ensure you are successful going back to college and completing your degree. KC Scholars will match each awardee with an Adult Learner Coach and connect them with supports at one of our 17 colleges and universities to provide assistance such as one-on-one and group advising, assistance with the college enrollment process, FAFSA completion assistance, and referrals to campus and community resources.

How will I receive my scholarship?

Scholarships will be paid directly to one of the colleges and universities in the KC Scholars Postsecondary Network where you are enrolled.

Can I use the scholarship to take online courses?

Yes, if the courses count toward a credit-bearing credential or degree and are offered by any of the 17 colleges and universities in the KC Scholars’ Postsecondary Network.

What if I move out of the eligible six-county area?

You must live in the six eligible counties to receive the KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarship.

Can I stop going to college and still use my scholarship when I return?

You must continuously attend college, either full-time or part-time, to remain eligible for KC Scholars. Continuous enrollment does not include summer, but it does include fall and spring semesters each academic year. KC Scholars’ staff will only consider an exception for an unavoidable and extenuating circumstance.

What if I have more questions regarding KC Scholars and the application process?

All questions should be directed to info@kcscholars.org. Please allow up to two business days for a reply.

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.

Awardees have shared that:

  • 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.

Many adults may believe they will never have the opportunity to return to and complete college. KC Scholars provides that opportunity.  Apply for the KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarship today: Join the many adults working to achieve their college dreams and become role models for their family and community. Get ready to have your life changed!

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!