Area school superintendents crowded around Sharon L. Tidwell, executive director of the Jones Foundation, Tuesday morning before a press conference announcing the foundation’s new tuition voucher program, which will give area high school seniors $1,000 to attend Emporia State University or the Flint Hills Technical College as freshmen.
Ted Vannocker, superintendent of Marais des Cygnes Valley, USD 456, bent Tidwell’s ear with thanks and appreciation for the funds to help students who might not be able to advance their education without the help of the Jones Foundation.
“We believe in postsecondary education,” Tidwell said at the conference at the Sauder Alumni Center on the ESU campus. “As far as we know, we’re the only foundation in Kansas to make this kind of award to high school students.”
ESU president Michael Lane sported a big smile because the voucher program could help raise enrollment at the university, which was down slightly this fall.
“I told you we had something in the works,” he said.
“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,” Lane said.
Dean Hollenbeck, president of FHTC, said, “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.
To receive the Jones Foundation voucher offer, you must be:
• A current resident of Coffey, Lyon or Osage counties;
• A high school senior graduating in the current school year and planning to attend Emporia State University or the Flint Hills Technical College as an incoming freshman the following fall, or a student who has received a GED in the past two school years; and
• Accepted for admission and eligible to attend ESU or FHTC as a freshman.
As a participant in the program, you’ll redeem a certificate awarded to you by the Jones Foundation for $500 each semester, for a total of $1,000.
The grant is made during your freshman year only, but may be added to any other scholarships or financial aid you may receive.
For more information, contact the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation at (620) 342-1714, or your area high school administration.