MOST KC SCHOLARS ARE THE FIRST IN THE FAMILY TO ATTEND AND COMPLETE COLLEGE
That is why KC Scholars is so important – it provides an opportunity for first-generation college students to earn a degree and positively impact the trajectory of future generations. 77% of KC Scholars awardees are first-generation college students. Low and modest-income individuals are also eligible to apply for KC Scholars. Over 80% of Scholars have few or no resources to attend college. Most Scholars declare that without the scholarship, going to college would have been nearly impossible.
KC Scholars seeds 529 college savings accounts for 9th graders and encourages these students to contribute to the account as they progress through college. For most low-income students, if they did not have college savings accounts, they would have no savings for college. Research demonstrates that those with a college savings account – regardless of the dollar amount– are seventimes more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to complete their degree (Source: Center for Social Development, Washington University). As of June 2021, College Savings Account and Match Scholars contributed nearly $700,000 into their accounts.
KC Scholars will increase the metro’s attainment rate by an estimated four point five . The impact on the minority community is even more profound. Should the trend set in the KC Scholars’ first six award cycle , the number of Black and Hispanic students in the region who enroll in college could grow by at least 13% (Sources: Georgetown University Center for Education and the Workforce and Mid-America Regional Council).
