The Rudd Foundation is proud to announce the selection of its eighth class of Rudd Scholars, comprised of 50 Kansas high school seniors selected following a rigorous selection process that considers not only their academic achievements but also their life stories and contributions to their communities.
All Rudd Scholars receive a 4-year college scholarship to attend either Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, or Wichita State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field of their choice. The newly selected scholars (full list attached) will bring the total to 148 Rudd Scholars for the 2025-26 school year. Of the new class, 7 will attend Emporia State, 9 will attend Fort Hays State, 21 will attend Kansas State, and 13 scholars will attend Wichita State. With the financial burden lifted, these winners will be able to fully engage in their college experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome our largest cohort of Rudd Scholars yet and to extend our program to include Kansas State University,” said Darrell Swank, President of the Rudd Foundation. “Leslie Rudd’s vision was to empower exceptional young individuals to pursue their passions and dreams without the burden of financial stress. We are proud to continue his legacy by supporting theses outstanding students on their educational journeys.”
Since its inception, the Rudd Foundation’s scholarship program has awarded over 200 scholarships, representing an overall investment of over $10 million in Kansas students. The success of the program underscores the Foundation’s dedication to supporting the educational aspirations of young individuals in the state.
The Rudd Scholarship provides full-ride scholarships covering all tuition and fees, books, supplies, and room and board for the duration of the recipients’ undergraduate studies. Additionally, scholars benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
“The Rudd Scholarship is more than financial assistance, focusing on programming that extends Beyond the Dollar, Beyond the Classroom, and Beyond the Degree,” said Corri Roberts, Vice President of the Rudd Foundation. “With 117 active scholars and 79 alumni, our community supports each other in reaching their full potential and chasing ambitious goals, reflecting Mr. Rudd’s vision of a lifelong network for learning and growth.”
