Sara Baier, Community Foundation of Dickinson County
Photo Courtesy of CFDC
The Community Foundation of Dickinson County is pleased to announce that scholarship applications for the 2026 academic year are now open. Students may submit their applications through the Foundation’s new online scholarship portal at www.communityfoundation.us and click on “Apply for a Scholarship.”
This year, the Foundation will award more than $200,000 in scholarships to support Dickinson County students pursuing college, junior college, career and technical education (CTE), and technical programs.
“We are honored to invest in the future of Dickinson County students,” said Elizabeth Weese, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Dickinson County. “These scholarships reflect the generosity of donors who believe deeply in supporting education and creating opportunities for young people to succeed.”
School Visits Underway Across Dickinson County
To help students feel confident and prepared, Executive Director Elizabeth Weese and Jen Parks, the Foundation’s Scholarship Coordinator, have begun visiting schools throughout Dickinson County. Their first visit took place right before Thanksgiving, and they plan to meet with seniors at the remaining high schools in the coming weeks.
During these visits, Weese and Parks are:
- Sharing information about the wide range of scholarships available
- Explaining the new, streamlined application process
- Discussing the true cost of college, including tuition comparisons for popular Kansas universities
- Encouraging students to apply, regardless of whether they plan to attend a university, junior college, or technical program.
A Simpler, Unified Application Process
In previous years, students were required to read through the description of every scholarship to determine their eligibility and then complete separate applications for each award. The new system simplifies this process significantly. Students now complete one application, and the software automatically matches them with scholarships they qualify for.
“We really want students to feel confident,” said Jen Parks, Scholarship Coordinator. “The application process is much easier this year, and I am here to help every step of the way. My passion is helping students continue their education with as little debt as possible.”
Parks emphasized that students are welcome to call or email her directly with any questions. “No question is too small. I genuinely enjoy helping students navigate this process.”
Eligibility
Scholarships are open to:
- High school students in Dickinson County
- Non-traditional students
- Students already enrolled in college, junior college, CTE Programs, or technical schools who are from the Dickinson County area
- Students may apply for multiple scholarships through the new unified application system.
Important Dates
- Applications open: December 15, 2025
- Applications close: February 16, 2026
How to Apply
Students should visit www.communityfoundation.us and click on “Apply for a Scholarship” to create their account, complete the application, and upload the required materials. The new online system provides a user-friendly experience, allowing applicants to apply for multiple scholarships with a single submission.
For questions or assistance, students may email Scholarship Coordinator Jen Parks at jen@communityfoundation.us or call the Community Foundation of Dickinson County at (785) 263-1863. More information is available at https://www.communityfoundation.us/scholarships-2.cfm.
