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Congratulations are in order for Mr. Kevin Hogan! Last week, Mr. Hogan was randomly chosen to win a free two-year lease at Two Light Luxury Apartments as a part of the Kansas City Power & Light District partnership with KCPSEF.

UMKC Announces Scholarships, Early College Program for KCPS Students

A young Black woman with curly blonde hair and a yellow and black plaid sweater vest

KCPS student Jayla Williams, 16, is one of the first students to participate in the program. Jon Mohr/UMKC
 

Kansas City Public Schools is partnering with the University of Missouri-Kansas City to save families thousands of dollars on a college degree. UMKC will provide automatic, renewable scholarships for any student who enrolls from KCPS or North Kansas City Public Schools. Furthermore, students from both districts can earn college credit on the UMKC campus before high school graduation for added savings.

The initiative is a huge win for the Kansas City community – and for students and their families.

“As Kansas City’s university, we’re committed to increasing college access to students here at home,” said Kristi Holsinger, senior vice provost for student success at UMKC. “Through this partnership, students will save money, earn their degree sooner after high school graduation and go on to serve our community through rewarding careers.”

UMKC has introduced a new, automatic $1,500 scholarship for up to five years for any student from the KCPS or NKC school districts. The scholarship is stackable – meaning it can also be combined with any other award.

And UMKC’s Early College Academy allows eligible high school students to attend classes on campus during the school day. It is open to qualifying juniors and seniors at KCPS and qualifying seniors at NKC. Students earn both high school and college credits from their UMKC courses. Tuition, at a reduced rate, is covered by KCPS and NKC.

“The Early College Academy model makes so much sense for our scholars,” Jennifer Collier, Ed.D., KCPS interim superintendent, said. “We know partnering with UMKC will open doors for KCPS students.”

Jayla Williams is one of the first KCPS students to participate in the program. Williams, who is in her first semester, said within the first few weeks she has already had a chance to connect with her professors and meet friends in her classes.

“It’s been an easy adjustment because my school prepared me,” said Williams. “I’m doing something that many people don’t get to do. I’m doing something that is bettering my future.”

Continue reading on the UMKC website ...