Traditional Scholarship for 11th Graders
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Traditional Scholarship for 11th Graders
Ewing Marion Kauffman believed that nothing should stand in the way of anyone who wants to get a college degree. We agree and make it our mission to help remove the barriers that keep low- and moderate-income students from achieving their dreams of going to college. One of the programs that allows us to help make this a reality for thousands of Kansas City students is our Traditional Scholarship for 11th graders. This scholarship provides for up to $50,000 paid directly to the college, over the course of up to six years.
If you’re looking for a sign to take the chance and BE BOLD then…
11th Graders
When can I apply for the Traditional Scholarship?
For more information and to get a head start with tips on applying Click Here.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Traditional Scholarship?
You must meet all of the following requirements to apply:
- Be a current 11th grader during the application cycle;
- Be home-schooled or attend a public, charter, or private high school in the following six counties: Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte (MO) or Johnson and Wyandotte (KS);
- Have at least a 2.5 cumulative high school unweighted GPA (five semesters from 9th grade to the fall semester of 11th grade) or at least a 16 on the ACT or at least an 800 on the SAT); and
Low- or modest-income (FASFA Estimated Family Contribution/Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
How can I apply for the scholarship?
Use this scholarship checklist to walk you step by step through the application process.
WHAT PREVIOUS TRADITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE SAYING
- The day they received the scholarship was the happiest day of their lives
- KC Scholars changed their lives
- Receiving the scholarship let them know that college was possible
- Earning a scholarship reduced the stress of the family as they now know they can afford college
- KC Scholars is like a family that cares about you and your success
- KC Scholars made it possible for them to attend their dream college
- KC Scholars means everything to them
FAQ
To be considered low- or modest-income for the purposes of the KC Scholars application, your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation on the Federal Student Aid Estimator must be 12,000 or less. The calculation is based on household income, number of members in the family, and number of family members that will be in college at the same time. It is the amount of annual financial support a family can be expected to pay toward the student’s college education.
At least 250 Traditional Scholarships will be awarded each year.
Application materials will be reviewed, evaluated, and scored to select scholarship recipients. More information about the selection process can be found HERE.
Unlike most other scholarship programs, which award scholarship near the end of 12th grade, KC Scholars awards its Traditional Scholarship at the end of 11th grade. This gives the student and their family assurance that college is indeed possible and attainable.
Current 12th graders are not eligible to apply to KC Scholars.
If you have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, then you are not required to upload ACT or SAT scores to apply to KC Scholars.
If you do not have the required minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, you are required to upload test scores and have scored at least a 16 on the ACT or 800 on the SAT.
Notifications to both recipients and non-recipients will be made via email in late April. If selected, awardees will attend a required orientation in June or July where more information regarding the scholarship will be shared.
Selected awardees will attend a required orientation in June or July where more information regarding the scholarship will be shared.
The traditional scholarship is valued up to $10,000 a year, renewable for up to five years. To remain eligible once enrolled in college, students must meet minimum annual requirements and complete a short renewal application each year to determine continued eligibility. To remain eligible, a student must also maintain continuous full-time enrollment, with summer attendance optional.
Yes! We want to ensure you are successful getting to college and completing your degree. KC Scholars has partnered with a few support organizations and with 19 colleges and universities to provide assistance such as one-on-one and group advising, assistance with college admissions and scholarship applications, FAFSA completion assistance, advice for parents and families and campus tours. Click here to see other Resources.
Scholarships will be paid directly to one of the 19 colleges and universities in the KC Scholars Post-secondary Network at which you are enrolled.
Yes. In order to receive the KC Scholars scholarship, you must plan to attend one of the 19 KC Scholars colleges or universities.
No, the KC Scholars scholarship cannot be used toward dual credit classes or other college classes taken during high school.
You must continuously be enrolled in fall and spring semesters each academic year, either full-time or part-time, to remain eligible for KC Scholars’ scholarships. Continuous enrollment does not include summer semesters. KC Scholars’ staff will only consider an exception for an unavoidable and extenuating circumstance.
You must graduate from a public, charter, or private high school or be home-schooled in the six eligible counties to receive the KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship.
All questions should be directed to scholarships@kcscholars.org. Please allow up to two business days for a reply. Please review the Program Guidelines carefully for any additional questions.