Jones Foundation campaign encourages enrollment at ESU, FHTC

In the foreground, Jesse Tuel, associate director of advancement communication, visits with Jeff Longbine, trustee of the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation. Farther from the camera, Jeff O'Dell, KVOE Radio, interviews Dr. Michael R. Lane, ESU president.

Students from three Kansas counties will soon have an extra incentive to attend college close to home. Trustees of the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation are extending an offer to high school graduates and GED recipients in Coffey, Lyon and Osage counties: Attend either Emporia State University or Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia, and the Jones Foundation will provide you with $1,000 to help pay for college.

“We believe in postsecondary education,” explained Sharon L. Tidwell, executive director of the Emporia-based Jones Foundation. “As far as we know, we’re the only foundation in Kansas to make this kind of award to high school students.”

Announcement of the Tuition Voucher Program came at a news conference Tuesday, Sept. 25 at ESU’s Sauder Alumni Center.

Jeff Longbine, Jones Foundation trustee, called the Tuition Voucher Program a win-win for area students, higher education, and the residents of Coffey, Lyon and Osage counties. “We have chosen Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College as the sole providers for this program,” said Longbine.

“We believe that these institutions provide a quality education that is tailored toward the needs of our community,” said Longbine. We feel this program will enhance the enrollment at both institutions and will strengthen the institutions simultaneously.” Longbine also said the Jones Foundation expects the program will benefit approximately 350 to 450 students next year.

The Jones Foundation’s Tuition Voucher Program offer is for current residents of Coffey, Lyon or Osage counties. Recipients must be either a high school senior graduating in the current school year, or a student who has received a GED in the past two school years. The graduate must be accepted for admission and eligible to attend ESU or FHTC as a freshman.

Participants will redeem a certificate awarded by the Jones Foundation for $500 each semester, for a total of $1,000. The grant is made during the student’s freshman year only, but may be added to any other scholarship or financial aid the student receives.

“In launching this Tuition Voucher Program, the Jones Foundation is furthering its commitment to helping students shape the future of this area by continuing their education,” said Dr. Michael R. Lane, ESU president. Lane noted that approximately 43 percent of ESU’s freshman class comes from the Coffey-Lyon-Osage County region.

“We greatly appreciate not only the Jones Foundation but the community members on the Foundation and their vision in providing students from the three county area a scholarship that encourages them to continue their education,” added Dr. Dean Hollenbeck, FHTC president.

Since 1974, the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation has assisted families seeking financial help with medical, dental and vision expenses. The Foundation also acts on requests from students for help with their postsecondary education expenses in the form of grants for tuition and books.

For more information on the Tuition Voucher Program or any other services provided by the Jones Foundation, contact the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation at 620-342-1714.

Last Updated September 28, 2007>