Apply for a Scholarship

Apply for a Scholarship

Scholarship Cycle Application Period is February 10-March 16, 2025.

Applications must be submitted online which can be accessed through the 2025 Application Portal. Scholarship applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

2025 Application Portal

The Hillsboro Community Foundation’s (HCF), an affiliate of Central Kansas Community Foundation (CKCF), scholarship cycle operates on an annual basis. Applications become available online in late February and are due in mid-March. Scholarships will be awarded in late April. Scholarships are typically awarded for the following academic year, starting in the fall semester.

In 2025, the scholarship cycle application starts Monday, February 10, 2025 and continues through Sunday, March 16, 2025. Eight different scholarships are available, each with its own unique criteria. Be sure to explore all the options and apply for any that match your qualifications and goals.

General Scholarship FAQs

The Hillsboro Community Foundation accepts applications for the following scholarships:
  • C.M. Sextro Memorial Math Scholarship
  • Demarius Lives Scholarship
  • Earl Wineinger Memorial Scholarship
  • Free Press/Joel Klaassen Journalism Scholarship
  • Gehring Family Tech Scholarship
  • Glenn & Janice Goertz Family Scholarship
  • Hillsboro Trojan Family Memorial Scholarship
  • Rod's Tire & Service Scholarship
  • Regional scholarships are available from Central Kansas Community Foundation
The Hillsboro Community Foundation administers other scholarship funds, but doesn't offer them through the annual scholarship cycle. These scholarships are available through the USD 410 School District.
Local high school seniors and non-traditional students are eligible.
Not necessarily! While some Hillsboro Community Foundation scholarships are specifically for students attending four-year colleges or universities, most are open to students pursuing various types of post-secondary education. This includes vocational programs, junior colleges, and technical schools. It's important to carefully review the requirements of each scholarship to determine your eligibility.
Scholarship awards vary. The final amount for each scholarship is determined by a collaboration between the Central Kansas Community Foundation and the scholarship's dedicated review committee.
Yes. Completed applications must be submitted online here.

Need help with your scholarship application? Check out our handy guide for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the online application process.
  • Carefully review the scholarship's eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all the requirements.
  • Read the instructions and make sure you completely understand them before you start writing.
  • To write a strong essay and avoid losing your work, follow these steps:
    Plan: Outline your essay before you begin writing.
    Draft: Write your essay in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
    Paste: Copy and paste your finished essay into the application portal.
  • Showcase the impact of your achievements. Winning a scholarship isn't just about listing accomplishments; it's about demonstrating how those experiences have shaped you and prepared you for future success. When describing your activities, talents, and awards, focus on the impact you made and how those experiences connect to the scholarship's goals.
  • When applying for scholarships, use your unique experiences and accomplishments to show why you deserve the award. If you've overcome obstacles, share your story and how it shaped your determination to succeed. Be sure to connect your experiences to the scholarship's criteria and demonstrate how your values align with the organization's mission.
  • First, utilize your computer's spellcheck and grammar check to catch obvious errors. Second, carefully read your essay aloud, paying close attention to each word and sentence. Finally, ask a friend or family member to proofread your work.
  • Take pride in the effort you've invested in your application. Feel confident that you've presented yourself authentically and to the best of your ability.
  • Finally click SUBMIT, when you are satisfied with your application.
To ensure your scholarship funds are properly disbursed, the Central Kansas Community Foundation will send them directly to the financial aid office of the college or university you'll be attending. This streamlined process eliminates any extra steps for you and ensures your scholarship is applied to your tuition and fees on time.
Yes. To ensure Central Kansas Community Foundation has all the necessary information, the CKCF scholarship officer will ask scholarship recipients to provide the following information via an online questionnaire:
  • Thank You Letter: A letter expressing your gratitude to the scholarship donor.
  • Photo: A recent photo for our records and potential use in promotional materials.
  • Fall Schedule: A copy of your fall course schedule.
  • Student ID: A copy of your student identification card.
  • School Address: The address of your secondary school.
CKCF's scholarship officer will provide detailed instructions on how to submit this information after scholarship recipients are announced.

Additional Scholarship Resources

This is not an inclusive list of resources nor does our listing of these denote any partnership or validation of the resource. It is merely an example of sources to help you explore other scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for.

Consent Form

Please complete a Multi-Media Consent Form if you are an adult, parent or guardian of a minor, or institutional representative to allow the Hillsboro Community Foundation and Central Kansas Community Foundation to use your photos, images, or interviews in our marketing materials for promotional purposes. Find the Multi-Media Consent Form and other policy materials on CKCF’s Policies and Procedures page.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact:

Chad Hughbanks, HCF Associate Director, at director@hcfoundationks.org or 620-947-0170.
Brandi Garnica, CKCF Program Officer-Scholarships, at brandi@centralkansascf.org, or 316-283-5474.