A tuition voucher program that has helped thousands of Emporia State University students from Lyon, Coffey and Osage counties is being expanded to offer more financial assistance to qualified students.
The Jones Foundation of Emporia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “improving the health and education of eligible Kansans in Coffey, Lyon and Osage counties,” created the tuition voucher program in 2008. Under that program, students at Emporia State University whose permanent residences were in the three counties received $1,000 per year for up to four years as financial aid. There was no application required.
For Emporia State students, the first year of receiving the voucher was automatic. Each year after that, the stipend was automatically granted to students who successfully completed 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of at least 2.0 each semester.
Beginning fall 2022, the Jones Foundation will award renewable scholarships with increased funding amounts. Emporia State students with permanent residences in Lyon, Coffey and Osage counties can qualify for up to $7,000 over four years. The scholarships will be $1,000 for freshman year, $1,500 for sophomore year, $2,000 for junior and $2,500 for senior year. To renew the scholarship, these students must:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25;
- Be enrolled full-time and successfully complete at least 12 credit hours each semester;
- Complete a Jones Scholars for Success Plan with their advisor;
- Participate in the Stinger Success Program, which includes:
- Meeting with their academic advisor at least twice a semester;
- Successfully completing the first-year seminar and use appropriate campus resources, which includes the Academic Center for Excellence and Success or ACES; and
- Participating in the ESU Peer Mentoring Program as a mentee during their first year at Emporia State.
For Sharon Tidwell, director of the Jones Foundation, the new program is important because it requires a commitment from both the foundation and the participating students.
“We invest when the students invest,” said Tidwell of the increased funding and student requirements.
The first group of students who enter the new program will be those graduating from high school in May 2022 and entering Emporia State in fall 2022. The original tuition voucher program of $1,000 per year will continue for all current Emporia State students who remain eligible.
“Our data has shown that our Stinger Success Program produces results,” said Dr. Shelly Gehrke, vice president for enrollment management and student success. “Students who avail themselves of group and individual tutoring, services at the Writing Center and work closely with their advisors are able to stay on track to graduation.
“We are beyond excited that this enhanced partnership with the Jones Foundation will help our students fulfill their dreams.”