Scholarship funds are another type of charitable fund offered by the Columbus Area Community Foundation. These funds help students pay the costs of attending college.
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Scholarships timeline
| Applications open | Applications due | Decisions announced by |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | July 15, 2025 |
Cherokee County Scholarship Opportunities
The Columbus Area Community Foundation is home to several scholarship funds providing financial support to Cherokee County students.
Charles and Jane Maxwell Scholarship Fund
The Maxwell Memorial Scholarship provides $750 per year for four years for CUHS graduates attending a college or university in Kansas or a neighboring state. Learn more →
Class of 1986 Friendship Scholarship
The Class of 1986 Friendship Scholarship provides a $500 scholarship to one CUHS graduating senior each year. Learn more →
Columbus Cares Scholarship Fund
The Columbus Cares Scholarship awards $500 to one CUHS graduating senior each year. Learn more →
Dorothy Tyler Jackson Memorial Scholarship
The Dorothy Tyler Jackson Scholarship awards $2,000 to one CUHS graduating senior planning to study culinary arts or family and consumer sciences. Learn more →
Maureen H. Paulsen Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Maureen Paulsen Memorial Scholarship awards up to two scholarships to graduating seniors of Columbus Unified High School (USD 493). Learn more →
Sandra B. Houser Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Sandra B. Houser Memorial Scholarship awards two $1,000 scholarships to CUHS graduates studying education or another youth-related profession. Learn more →
Applying for CACF Scholarships
Since 2024, our scholarships are offered as part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas scholarship program. Applications will be available each year between January and March.
You can access the combined Scholarships Portal by clicking the button below:
Contact CFSEK Program Coordinator Kara Mishmash for more information about any of our scholarships or the application process.
Establishing a Scholarship Fund
Scholarship funds are a great way for individuals, families, friends, students, teachers, or colleagues to leave a legacy or establish a memorial to impact the future of Cherokee County. And CACF makes it easy for local residents to create new scholarship funds. Contact us today to learn more!