Scholarships

    The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students like you, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help people like you take the next step in your education.

    Apply Here

    For technical assistance with the application process, please call 785-734-2406.

    Currently, only graduating seniors and former graduates of Russell High School up to age 30 are eligible for the Joshua Scholarship. Home schooled students in Russell County do not qualify but are encouraged to apply for other RCACF scholarships. The online eligibility assessment will match you with scholarship opportunities.

    Timeline

    First Time Applying?

    All applications must be submitted through our online system.

    1. Create an account.
    2. Take an online eligibility assessment to match you with scholarship opportunities.
    3. Fill out the application(s) and submit.

    Already Have an Account?

    If you already completed the eligibility quiz, login to the scholarship portal to:

    • Complete scholarship applications
    • Check the status of an application
    • Complete assigned follow up forms

    Tips for Completing Your Application

    1. Do NOT use your high school email address.  The email address used in the application will be the primary contact method throughout college if you receive a scholarship award.  If needed, create a personal email account in gmail, yahoo, etc. for permanent personal use.
    2. Verify that your references are willing to provide a POSITIVE reference for you prior to listing them as a reference.  You will need their email address to enter into the application.
    3. Let your personality shine and be thorough in your answers.  Your responses are key to the award selection process.
    4. Submit ALL materials by Feb 15. Late applications WILL NOT be considered. Many scholarships require evidence of financial need so apply for your FAFSA report in advance.

    Scholarship Funds and Criteria

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from Russell High School

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be students in good standing qualifying for graduation from Russell High School.
    • Applicants must have a financial need.
    • Applicants must have an interest in a college education.
    • Applicants must have demonstrated scholastic ability.

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable.

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from Russell High School

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be students in good standing qualifying for graduation from Russell High School.
    • Applicants must be members of current year’s graduation class or a prior recipient of a scholarship from this fund.
    • Applicants must have a financial need.
    • Applicants must have demonstrated scholastic ability.
    • Applicants must have demonstrated qualities of leadership.
    • Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for renewal by being in good standing at a college, university, or vocational technical school and meeting the above criteria.

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable.

    AMOUNT:
    Two new $2,500 scholarships will be awarded.  One will be renewable for four years.

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from Russell High School

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be students in good standing for graduation from Russell High School.
    • Applicants will attend an accredited post-secondary institution including trade school, college, or university.
    • Applicants must have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA.
    • Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and/or to students with a genuine disability.

    RENEWALS:
    Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for renewal by meeting the following criteria:

    • Recipient must be a full-time student and submit a transcript and proof of enrollment for the coming year.
    • Recipients must have a minimum 2.8 cumulative college GPA.

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from Russell High School

    CRITERIA:

    • Student in good standing qualifying for graduation from Russell High School, Russell, KS, or former graduate from Russell High School, with preference given to a student with an interest in music or a career in the medical field.
    • Must be enrolled in a full-time course of study at a four-year college or university in the academic year for which the scholarship is applied.
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
    • Demonstrate good citizenship and moral character.
    • Must submit an essay describing future goals.
    • Must provide one letter of recommendation

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable.

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from Russell High School

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants shall be in good standing qualifying for graduation from Russell High School.
    • Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time course of study at a four-year college or university seeking a degree in the college of education or agriculture.
    • Applicants must have academic achievement in high school.
    • Applicants must have extra-curricular involvement in high school.
    • Applicants must demonstrate good citizenship and character.
    • Preference shall be given to applicants not receiving state academic scholarships.

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable.

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Graduates or students in good standing to graduate from Russell High School. Home school students in Russell County are not eligible but encouraged to apply for other RCACF scholarships.

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be a graduate or a student is good standing qualifying for graduation from Russell High School. 
    • Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time course of study at a college, university, or vocational or technical school in the academic year for which the scholarship is applied.
    • Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger at the beginning of the academic year for which the scholarship is applied.
    • Applicants must exhibit academic achievement.
    • Applicants must be involved in extracurricular activities or out of school employment.
    • Applicants must demonstrate good citizenship and character.
    • Applicants must have financial need.
    • Scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for renewal.

    RENEWALS:
    Scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for renewal as part of the total applicant pool.

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from Russell High School

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be students in good standing qualifying for graduation from Russell High School.
    • Applicants must be a member of the current year’s graduating class.
    • Applicants must have a financial need.
    • Applicants must have demonstrated scholastic ability.
    • Applicants must have demonstrated qualities of leadership and citizenship.

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable.

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    High school seniors living in Gorham Telephone Company’s service area (USD 299, 392, 399, 407 and 432)

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants should be high school seniors living in areas served by the following school districts:  USD 299, 392, 399, 407 and 432.  (Applicants may apply from either public or private schools).
    • Applicants must display a strong sense of community involvement and leadership.
    • Applicant must submit an essay (100 words or less) that outlines his/her major accomplishments, and a challenging experience and how it affected him/her.
    • Applicant must submit two letters of recommendation-one from a high school faculty member and one from a community leader.  Each letter needs to address the following questions:
      • What is your relationship with the applicant?
      • What do you consider to be the applicant’s strengths?
      • What do you consider to be the applicant’s weaknesses?
      • Does the applicant exhibit leadership skills?  Please explain.
      • Is there any other information the scholarship committee should know about the applicant?

    RENEWALS:
    Students may apply for renewal as part of the total applicant pool by meeting the following requirements:

      • Recipients must continue to show a strong sense of community involvement and leadership.
      • Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Russell High School or Natoma High School graduates

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be graduates of Russell High School or Natoma High School.
    • Applicants must have completed their first academic year of post-secondary education with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
    • Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger at the beginning of the academic year for which the scholarship is applied.
    • Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time course of study at a college, community college, university or vocational technical school in the academic year for which the scholarship is applied.
    • Selection will be based upon academic achievement and financial need.
    • Preference will be given to applicants pursuing a degree or certification in a health care related field.
    • Award will be distributed by semester.  In order to receive the second semester installment, the recipient must submit a college transcript.

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable.

    AMOUNT:
    Two recipients will each receive $500.

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from USD 407 or USD 399

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants shall be seniors in good standing qualifying for graduation and living in the areas served by USD 407 and USD 399.
    • Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
    • Applicants need to be involved in extracurricular activities.
    • Applicants must demonstrate academic ability.
    • Applicants must submit a short essay (100 words) regarding their future plans.
    • Preference will be given to applicants showing financial need and taking into consideration the applicant’s other scholarship awards.

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable.

    Contact Russell High School to Apply for This Scholarship

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from Russell High School

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be a resident of Russell County during the fall and spring semesters of their senior year.
    • Applicants must be a RHS graduating senior at the end of the spring semester.
    • Applicants must be of good work ethic and of a high moral standard.
    • Submit documented proof that additional full-time schooling at a college, university, community college or vocational technical school including proprietary schools is being sought.
    • Submit a list of your intended professional goals.
    • Submit a list of your immediate post-high school plans.
    • Submit a list of your Humanitarian and Civic Service Experiences.
    • Submit a brief essay describing the impact you anticipate making in your community following post high school education or training.

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable.

    AMOUNT:
    Varies

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS:
    Students graduating from Russell High School

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be in good standing qualifying for graduation from Russell High School.
    • Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA.
    • Applicants must be involved in at least 2 sports activities during their senior year.
    • Applicants must demonstrate good leadership, citizenship, and moral character.
    • Applicants must provide 2 letters of recommendation.

    RENEWALS:
    This award is not renewable

    AMOUNT: Varies

     

    GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS: Students graduating from Russell High School or a former graduate from Russell High School

     

    CRITERIA:

    • Applicants must be in good standing qualifying for graduation from Russell High School USD 407, Russell, KS, or a former graduate of Russell High School USD 407.
    • Applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution, which includes, but is not limited to, four-year college or university, vocational schools, community college, independent college, and institutes of technology.
    • Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
    • Applicants must demonstrate good citizenship and moral character.
    • Applicants must submit an essay describing life goals.
    • Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation describing how the applicant has been a role model to peers.
    • No scholarship recipient can receive this scholarship for a total of more than 10 semesters.
    • Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

    For technical assistance with the application process, please call 785-734-2406.

    Currently, only graduating seniors and former graduates of Russell High School are eligible for the Joshua Scholarship. Home schooled students in Russell County do not qualify but  are encouraged to apply for other RCACF scholarships. The online eligiblity assessment will match you with scholarship opportuntiies.