KC Scholars

KC Scholars creates life-changing opportunities for thousands of individuals in the Greater Kansas City area while positively transforming the region's workforce and economy.

It does this by increasing attainment of a postsecondary degree from local higher education institutions for residents who likely would not have otherwise attended or completed their degree.

KC Scholars provides the means — through scholarships, financial incentives to promote college savings and support services — for low- and modest-income students and adults needing access to pursue and complete a postsecondary, credit-bearing credential or degree.

K-State Olathe is a partner of the KC Scholars program.

Workforce needs

The need for this program stems from a shifting workforce development landscape. According to the Mid-American Regional Council, 34% of adults over the age of 25 in the Kansas City region have at least a bachelor's degree. In the last 10 years, 40% of new jobs created in the Kansas City region require a bachelor's degree.

Simultaneous to this evolving workforce landscape is the changing demographics of the U.S. and Greater Kansas City, in which historically, many children in these increasingly represented populations do not pursue a higher education.