4/25/24

By University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - For the fourth consecutive year, the Schmidt Foundation will provide full-ride scholarships to five exceptional Fort Hays State University students. Over the past several weeks, Fort Hays State representatives visited area high schools to surprise each student in person. These announcements included life-changing news that the Schmidt Foundation would cover a full-ride scholarship for the students to attend FHSU beginning in the fall 2024 semester.

The selection committee seeks academically gifted students who demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to contribute significantly to FHSU, the Hays community, and the state of Kansas.

First-generation students from Kansas planning to major in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communications programs receive scholarship preference. Though preferred, it is not required that a student major in one of these areas to be considered for the scholarship.

Schmidt Foundation scholars receive financial support to cover 30 hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, and room and board. Once accepted, recipients can renew their scholarship for up to three additional years by maintaining their academic standing and meeting the scholarship requirements.

Scholarship recipients for Fall 2024 include Khymyah Keywood, Wichita; Virginia Munoz, Lebo; Katzel Carlin, Osborne; Serena Bhakta, Wichita; and Madyson Bourne, Osage City.

Khymyah will graduate from Wichita East High School this spring. She fell in love with Fort Hays State when she came to campus for a KAMS program visit. Although she was unable to participate in KAMS due to financial constraints, Khymyah applied for numerous small scholarships to help her achieve her dream of attending college. She looks forward to becoming the first college graduate in her family.

Virginia, an Emporia High School senior, has worked full-time since turning 16 to provide for the financial necessities of her family. As a first-generation college student, Virginia plans to major in social work and help children like herself who have faced devastating family circumstances.

Katzel, graduating from Osborne High School, hopes to return to her home community after earning her college degree. She is interested in teaching because she loves connecting with people and believes that she can make a difference in many people’s lives by helping each person she encounters.

Serena, Wichita High School North, joined her school’s BioMed program and has participated in more than 60 hours of shadowing at Wesley Medical Center. She has been touched by the stories of patients she has met and hopes to become a nurse practitioner working in rural and low-income communities.

Madyson will graduate from Osage City High School. With a passion for art, Madyson has devoted her time to a wide variety of leadership roles during high school. She is grateful for the opportunity to pursue her lifelong desire to teach art and commit her time to helping those around her.

Schmidt Foundation applications for freshmen starting in the fall of 2025 will be open from midnight on September 3, 2024, to midnight on February 15, 2025. For questions regarding the Schmidt Foundation Scholars application process, please contact the FHSU Office of Admissions at 785-628-5666, tigers@fhsu.edu