by Kelly Rogge
A new scholarship is encouraging students at Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center to complete programs in technical fields.
The Applied Skills Based Technology Endowment Scholarship is geared specifically to students at the KCKCC-TEC. Patrick McCartney, executive director of the KCKCC Endowment Association, said the new scholarship is being funded through a $40,000 donation, made by a group of anonymous donors. The goal is to encourage students in certain fields to finish their education, rather than leaving early.
“This is the biggest donation we have received since I have been at KCKCC,” McCartney said. “This is really an incentive for students to complete the program, rather than leaving early for a career opportunity. While those opportunities pay a lot, students can earn more by staying and completing their course work.”
The scholarship is available to residents of Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties who complete Applied Technology Programs such as electrical technology, HVAC, machine technology, major appliance repair, welding and automotive technology. It is through completing these programs that students will earn high income and be in a better position for job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“The new Applied Skills Based Technology Endowment Scholarship is a great opportunity for students. It is designed to help offset the cost of a technical education for those students who need assistance,” said Leota Marks, dean of Academic Workforce Programs at KCKCC-TEC. “This chance at a technical education can be a life changing opportunity that changes an unemployed person into an employed person with a career and a bright future.”
Starting in 2016, up to four students will receive a $500 scholarship each year. A four-person panel will select the scholarship recipients.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Students must submit a brief biography and letter stating future career plans with the scholarship application, and the candidate must exhibit “good judgement, practice safety techniques and aspire to display the skills they have learned in an effective and efficient manner.” In addition, students selected will exhibit a willingness and drive to succeed as well as an ability to learn. According to the scholarship criteria, students will have a vision for the future and will be able to apply the technology they have learned in their chosen field. Attendance, assignment completion and student conduct will also be taken into consideration, among other requirements.
McCartney said this is the first scholarship designated specifically for KCKCC-TEC. The group of donors have also set up a similar program for students at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan.
“This is an impressive gift,” he said. “A significant impact will be made with this kind of donation.”
For more information on the Applied Skills Based Technology Endowment Scholarship, contact the KCKCC Endowment Association at 913-288-7675.
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at KCKCC.