HUMBOLDT — The prospects of higher education just got a lot more affordable for future Humboldt-USD 258 graduates.
The Humboldt Promise, announced at Monday’s USD 258 Board of Education meeting, is a scholarship that provides nearly every Humboldt student the opportunity to continue their education beyond graduation.
The scholarships — paying up to 100% of the cost of enrollment in college, university, or technical training — was created and funded by The Works Family Foundation, a nonprofit organized to support community development and education in Humboldt.
“Every year, we ask 5-year-old students, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ and we smile at their choices as they dream,” Humboldt Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amber Wheeler said in a press release. “The Humboldt Promise opens doors for our students to follow those hopes and dreams. It’s a statement that what they’ve hoped for is possible, and Humboldt believes in them.”
How it works
The press release spelled out the Humboldt Promise framework.
Eligible students must graduate from Humboldt High School, and have been enrolled in Humboldt schools since at least 10th grade. Students must also achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher during high school, and complete 50 hours of approved community service to qualify.
A recipient’s award is based on the length of their continuous enrollment in Humboldt schools. Graduates who have been enrolled since elementary school are qualified for up to 100% of their tuition and fees. Those who joined the district between elementary school and 10th grade qualify for a lesser amount.
The scholarship provides tuition and mandatory fees for up to 120 credit hours at any Title IV institution, but does not cover lodging, food, books, supplies or program fees.
The maximum scholarship payout is set equal to the highest in-state tuition at a Kansas public university, currently $404 per credit hour.
The scholarship is available to this year’s Class of 2025, who may find the application and information on the program website, HumboldtPromise.org.
While providing students with the ability to chase bold educational dreams is one motive of those behind A Humboldt Promise, the broader goal focuses on the community as a whole, according to the press release.
The Works Family Foundation views both the scholarship and its other work — from rehabilitating the downtown Fussman building, to funding events like the Middle of Everywhere music festival — as consistent with that community-building focus.
“Allowing students to follow a diverse set of educational dreams is a good thing itself,” said Janie Works of The Works Family Foundation.
“But the benefits of A Humboldt Promise extend beyond the students. Solidifying school enrollment, giving employers another carrot to attract new employees to town, and building a deeper commitment to the town in our families and graduates — those outcomes strengthen the community as a whole.”
Wheeler also notes the potential for these kinds of benefits.
“The Humboldt Promise provides yet another opportunity for us to recruit the best teaching team for our students,” she said. “It’s another reason for families to choose Humboldt schools. It’s one more reason for our students to follow their dreams, and then bring those dreams back to Humboldt with them.”
