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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Cherokee County Scholarship Opportunities
The Columbus Area Community Foundation is home to several scholarship funds providing financial support to Cherokee County students.
Starting in 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.
Charles and Jane Maxwell Scholarship Fund
Scholarship Requirements:
- Applicants must be Columbus Unified High School Seniors with at least three semesters at CUHS.
- Attending a post-secondary college or university in Kansas or an adjacent state.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Scholarship application questionnaire.
- Description of an elderly person or persons that has made a profound impact or impression on his/her life and how they will use this experience to “Pay it Forward.”
This multi-year scholarship award is $750.00 per year for four years for a total of $3000.
Payment is made to the college at the beginning of the fall semester annually if scholarship requirements are completed.
Charles L. McColm American Legion Memorial Scholarship
The Charles L. McColm American Legion Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Charles McColm. This scholarship emphasizes patriotism and will be awarded to a student who is accepted to and attends a technical school, community college, college, or university.
Scholarship Requirements:
- Columbus Unified High School graduating senior for at least three semesters.
- Related to a U.S. Veteran.
- Character reference letters (2).
The scholarship is NOT dependent upon:
- Grades or GPA
- Financial need
- Gender, race, or religion
The scholarship amount will be determined annually.
Payment is made to the college at the beginning of the fall semester.
Columbus Cares Scholarship Fund
The Columbus Cares Scholarship was established to identify Columbus Unified High School graduating seniors who understand the importance of the role of youth in community service and philanthropy, as evidenced through application responses.
Scholarship requirements:
- ACT score at or above the current national average (20).
- GPA of 2.5 or higher (unweighted).
- Attendance at CUHS for at least three semesters.
- Three letters of recommendation.
One $500 scholarship is awarded annually.
Payment is made to the college at the beginning of the fall semester.
Class of 1986 Friendship Scholarship Fund
In memory of Sue Maxwell and Chris (Herrenbruck) Crandon, the Columbus Unified High School Class of 1986 has established the CUHS Class of 1986 Friendship Scholarship. This scholarship will weigh heavily on the applicants’ responses regarding friendship.
Scholarship Requirements:
- Attended CUHS for at least three semesters.
- Planning to attend either a technical school, community college, college, or university.
- Character reference letters (2).
One $500 scholarship is awarded annually.
Payment is made to the college at the beginning of the fall semester.
Dorothy Tyler Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Dorothy Jackson Scholarship has been established for Columbus Unified High School graduating seniors who are Family & Consumer Science Program(s) students.
The recipient of the Dorothy Jackson Scholarship will be selected based on the following priority criteria in the order listed:
- Culinary Arts Major
- Family & Consumer Science Major
- CUHS Culinary Arts students who complete the Culinary Arts program and are also involved in FCCLA.
Preference will be given to students who are involved in FCCLA – Family Career and Community Leaders of America.
One $2,000 scholarship is awarded annually.
Payment is made to the college at the beginning of the fall semester.
Maureen Paulsen Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Maureen H. Paulsen Memorial Scholarship is available to all Columbus Unified High School graduating seniors.
Up to two scholarships may be awarded annually.
Payment is made to the college at the beginning of the fall semester.
Riverton Alumni Scholarship Fund
This endowed scholarship fund provides scholarships to qualifying seniors of USD 404.
Sandra B. Houser Memorial Scholarship Fund
Columbus Unified High School graduating seniors are eligible to apply for the Sandra B. Houser Memorial Scholarship who plan to:
Pursue a degree in Education or a Youth Related Profession
Attend a four-year accredited college or university
Two $1000 Scholarships will be awarded annually.
Payment is made to the college at the beginning of the fall semester.
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!