K-State Olathe, Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association collaborating on joint scholarship for new students

Thursday, May 6, 2021 | Written by Megan Gould

 

OLATHE — Kansas State University's Olathe campus and Greater Kansas City's hospitality industry are partnering on a new scholarship for incoming students in the hospitality management bachelor's degree completion program.

The scholarships are funded by the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, or GKCRA, and revenue generated by external organizations hosting their events, such as conferences, annual dinners and more, at K-State Olathe.

"In recent years, the campus has seen a boom in organizations choosing us as their destination for hosting events," said Jackie Spears, interim dean and CEO of K-State Olathe. "It made sense that these hospitality-oriented events should help fund scholarships for our students in the hospitality management program, many of whom want to use their degree to lead event planning."

The scholarships will be available to incoming students starting in the 2021-2022 academic year.

The hospitality management bachelor's degree completion program at K-State Olathe primarily serves nontraditional students, many of whom are older, have a family and work fulltime. The new scholarships aim to reduce financial obstacles and open doors to greater possibilities for students.

"K-State Olathe, in conjunction with the GKCRA, is excited to provide financial support to working adults who desire to live, work and complete a degree in KC,” said Brett Horton, professor of practice in hospitality management. “The hospitality industry is on the rebound and these scholarships will allow the best and brightest to complete their degrees.”

Scholarship amounts will vary based on fund availability, merit and need. Applicants may be awarded up to $2,000 to be distributed in four $500 awards over four semesters. The money allows students to work in the industry while working toward degrees in their concentration area of choice.

For more information on eligibility requirements, and for incoming and existing student who are interested in applying, please visit olathe.k-state.edu/scholarships. Completed applications are due on July 1.