by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
A Kansas City Kansas Community College student and a KCKCC employee are getting a little help from the Kansas City, Kan., Women’s Chamber of Commerce to finish their education.
Cyrillian Ayoola, a student majoring in nursing at KCKCC and Alexis Gatson, a KCKCC testing specialist, are two of the 2016 recipients of a scholarship awarded annually by the women’s group. Both women were recognized along with the other honorees at a luncheon Wednesday.
“I was very excited to have found out I won this scholarship,” Ayoola said. “It makes it easier for me to continue my education and definitely will help out a lot with school fees I have to worry about.”
The KCK Women’s Chamber of Commerce works to promote the strengths of women in the community and their contributions as leaders. Members are from a wide range of fields including civic, industry, education, commercial, and health careers, among others.
“I was shocked,” said Gatson about receiving the scholarship. “I dropped to my knees with gratitude and appreciation. The scholarship will help me take on the financial part, which was the only burden in obtaining my master’s degree.”
To be eligible for the chamber’s scholarship, applicants must be residents of Wyandotte County attending any post-secondary institution. In addition, scholarships are awarded to non-traditional students – those who are at least 24-years-old, financially independent and has dependents. Scholarships are funded through donations to the KCK Women’s Chamber Foundation.
Ayoola has been attending KCKCC for the last four semesters and expects to graduate in May 2018. She is currently a CNA at Truman Medical Center. Gatson will be attending Emporia State University to receive a master’s of science in instructional design and technology. She plans to graduate in fall 2018.
“After I graduate, I plan to get a better job and continue on with my education,” Ayoola said. “I feel like the environment at KCKCC is suitable for me because it’s a very friendly place with a lot of support.”
In the application video, Gayle Lee, chairperson of the organization, said “education not only develops the personality and rationality of individuals, but prepares women to fulfill certain economic, political and cultural functions.”
Scholarships range from $500 to $2,500 and are based on the funds available as well as the financial need of the applicants. The KCK Women’s Chamber of Commerce believes that scholarships are of increased importance due to the rising cost of education.
“Education is the foundation and key to success in any profession. It is important to obtain an education in order to be the best professional,” Gatson said. “It does not matter if you are a street sweeper or a doctor, they both require a skill set and skills require some form of education.”
For more information on the KCK Women’s Chamber of Commerce, visitkckwomenschamber.org/.
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at Kansas City Kansas Community College.