Rudd Foundation, a Kansas-based nonprofit organization committed to promoting access to quality secondary education, is pleased to announce the expansion of its Rudd Scholarship Program to include Kansas State University.
The program, which has provided full-ride college scholarships to outstanding Pell-eligible Kansas students since 2018, has built a strong foundation with its inaugural partners of Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, and Wichita State University. To-date, Rudd Foundation has awarded 168 full-ride scholarships, which represents a commitment of approximately $9 million. Due to the tremendous success of the partnership with these three universities, Rudd Foundation has committed to doubling the number of scholarships awarded over the next five years and is proud to enter this new partnership with Kansas State University to further increase the opportunities for its scholarship recipients.
Leslie Rudd’s vision in establishing the Rudd Scholarship Program was to remove financial barriers and empower talented Kansas students who demonstrate the mid-western values of grit, determination, and work ethic. Over the last five years, the program has supported many exceptional students in pursuing their dreams and positively impacting the state of Kansas with their talents now and in years to come.
“Rudd Foundation is incredibly grateful for the continued support of the three universities who have been our partners from the very beginning. Together, we have grown the Rudd Scholarship Program into what it is today – much more than just a financial resource for our scholars. These students have so many individuals supporting them and cheering them on,” said Darrell Swank, President of Rudd Foundation. “Leslie Rudd would be proud of what these scholars are accomplishing, both professionally and personally. We are excited to now also work with K-State and are confident that the Rudd Scholars will benefit greatly from this new partnership.”
The expansion of the Rudd Scholarship Program exemplifies Rudd Foundation’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders, change makers, and innovators. By providing comprehensive financial support, mentorship, success coaching, and a nurturing educational environment, the scholars experience a more equitable environment where the potential for success is not limited by financial constraints.
“K-State is proud to be the Rudd Foundation’s newest institutional partner and we are enthusiastic about the ways in which this support will change the trajectory of the lives of deserving scholarship recipients. Rudd Foundation Scholars will have the opportunity to develop their intellectual and interpersonal skills while receiving valuable career guidance and mentorship while enrolled at K-State without incurring any student debt,” said Karen Goos, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management of Kansas State University.
This collaborative effort between Rudd Foundation and Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, and Wichita State Universities is a testament to the shared vision of creating a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape. By providing a life-changing scholarship opportunity, these partnerships seek to inspire future leaders, advance academic excellence, and cultivate a generation of change-makers committed to impacting the state of Kansas and beyond.
For more information about the Full-Ride Scholarship and the partnership between Rudd Foundation and Kansas State University as well as the other partner universities, please visit www.ruddfoundation.org/contact or contact Corri Roberts, Rudd Foundation Director, 316-847-4828.
Students interested in applying for the Rudd Scholarship should visit www.ruddfoundation.org/how-to-apply for detailed information about eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and submission guidelines.
