Through the continuing generosity of a number of donors, the following scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors for the coming year. Because each scholarship is unique to our donors' wishes, students are encouraged to review the selection criteria carefully before applying.

Students should take note that most scholarships are targeted at graduating high school seniors and awards are payable during the first semester of the freshman year. All scholarships are non-renewable unless otherwise noted.

All scholarship awards are paid directly to the educational institution of the student's choice and are restricted to the payment of tuition, books and related educational expenses. For a complete explanation of the Foundation's policies and procedures governing its scholarship, click here.

Please take time and thought in completing your application. If you have difficulty expressing yourself, but have an outstanding record in relation to a particular scholarship's selection criteria, the Committee will take this into consideration. Please write in complete sentences and use appropriate punctuation.

Several scholarships can be completed and submitted to the Foundation online. Students choosing to submit electronic applications are required to mail a signed "hard copy" of the application to the Foundation office with the required attachments by March 15.

All Foundation scholarship applications are due in our office by March 15 each year. If this date falls on a weekend, the due date falls to the next regular business day.

Mailing address:

Scholarship winners will be notified by mail and posted on our website by May 15 each year or as awards are made by the various Foundation Selection Committees. Once you have submitted a scholarship application, please do not contact the Foundation office unless your educational plans have changed or you wish to withdraw your application. If you are competing for a need-based scholarship, and receive funding from other sources after your application is submitted, please email the Foundation office at www.wichitacf.org so that we may update the information on your financial need form.

Finally, all scholarships awarded through the Foundation must be used within six months of the date of the award or forfeited.

Note: The first listing of scholarships accepts applications online and has limited geographic restrictions. The second listing contains scholarships specific to individual schools or organizations in the Wichita/Sedgwick County area. Online applications are not accepted for these scholarships.

The Chad McCune Scholarship Fund

(Online applications accepted from Wichita/Sedgwick County)
This scholarship honors the memory of Chad McCune. Two scholarships are awarded annually to young men between the ages of six and nineteen who wish to attend a summer camp of their choosing. Scholarships are awarded based on need and leadership qualities.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The Joyce Focht Memorial Scholarship Fund

(Online applications accepted from USD259 students only)
This scholarship, which covers first year expenses of post-secondary education, is awarded to a graduating senior who has persevered in the face of great hardship, puts service to others above self and has achieved either academically or otherwise. The scholarship honors the memory and contributions to education of Joyce Focht, a long time member of the Wichita Board of Education, a teacher and an academic advisor at Wichita State University.

Nominations will be forwarded to the administration of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas for review prior to consideration by the Selection Committee.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The Forget Me Not Scholarship Fund

( Online applications accepted, statewide focus)
The Forget Me Not Scholarship Fund was created in 2002 for the purpose of enabling young men and women in the State of Kansas to enroll in an accredited college, university, seminary, junior college or vocational technical college in the United States. Two scholarships are awarded annually: (1) to a high school senior graduating from an accredited high school in the State of Kansas, and (2) to a high school senior graduating from high schools in Cimarron, Dodge City, Pratt, Bishop Carroll (Wichita) and Kapaun/Mount Carmel (Wichita).

In September 2001, over 2,000 people participated in a commemorative race honoring the lives of Jason Befort, Heather Muller, Bradley Heyka and Aaron Sander, who died tragically on Dec. 15, 2000. The funds raised through this race form the basis of these continuing scholarship awards.

In his 26 years of life, Jason Befort gave it all he had. His determination was admirable and his love was genuine. He worked hard, he played hard and was intense in all aspects of his life. Jason was never without a smile or hello. Competitive in sports, he was a perfectionist in every way. His loves included his family, his friends, the Cubs, the K-State Wildcats and life. They say you have to love yourself to pass it on. Jason did both.

Brad Heyka had a sincere love for life including his family and friends. His passion for life was catching and he enjoyed bringing people together and bringing out the best in them. Through this quiet leadership role he had attracted many new friendships in an ever-growing circle. His sense of humor should not be forgotten- it was contagious. His quick wit instantly brought a smile to your face. His passions included golf, KSU sports, competition, fairness, the desire to excel and concern for others.

Heather Muller was filled with a love for God, a love for life, and a love for children- especially her "teenies" with special needs. She had a rare talent for singing that she shared with all. Her prayer-filled life was a life of service to others of all ages and backgrounds. Heather impacted hundreds of people throughout her life and will continue to do so.

Aaron Sander graduated from high school in Cimarron, where his body now rests, before going to Wichita to earn a degree in finance from WSU. He spent the following six years working in the field of finance before taking the last six months of his life to discern a vocation in the priesthood. Aaron was a kind, gentle man, full of love and peace. He had a special charm that attracted many because he genuinely cared for those he met. He had a passion to learn and find his purpose in life, because he knew it was to serve God's people.

Click here to apply online. Please mail a signed "hard copy" of your application, together with required attachments to the Foundation office at the address listed in the front of the Scholarship section.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The Matthew Aaron Gamm Memorial Scholarship

(Online applications accepted from USD259 students only)
This scholarship strives to recognize those individuals who dare to dream, question the world around them and in spite of struggles, maintain a zest for life. The emphasis for this scholarship is to empower second chances rather than to honor academic achievement. The award shall be used for expenses related to post-secondary education, including vocational and special education.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The Russ and Helen Meyer Scholarship Fund

(Online applications accepted from Wichita/Sedgwick County students only)
Established in 1996, post-high school scholarships are given annually with a first preference to graduating seniors from each Metro alternative school in the Wichita area regardless of grade point average. Second preference shall be given to graduating seniors within the USD259 public school system in the Wichita KS area who are not commonly eligible for other scholarship opportunities. No preferences shall apply in the selection of recipients from primary or secondary schools for attendance at an accredited public, private or parochial school of their choice.

Annual awards are $6,000 and scholarships may be renewed, at the discretion of the Wichita Community Foundation, if the student maintains satisfactory academic progress (a C average), successfully completes at least twelve credit hours per semester (college level) and provides a letter of personal enrichment to the Foundation office upon the completion of each semester.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

Optimist Memorial Scholarship Fund

(Online applications accepted from Sedgwick County students only)
The Breakfast Optimist Club of Wichita, KS was organized in November 1955 (incorporated 1963) as a part of Optimist International. Optimist Clubs are made up of men and women interested in serving the youth of their communities. This scholarship program, funded by their fund raising activities, has granted scholarships to Sedgwick County students since 1987.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

School/Organization Specific Scholarships

The following listing of scholarships reflects a wide variety of opportunities and interests. Online applications are not accepted for these scholarships. Students should contact the appropriate contact person noted in each description and request an application form. Amount, purpose and due dates for each scholarship varies.

The Olive Ann Beech Scholarship for Primary Care in Kansas
Established by the family of Olive Ann Beech, this scholarship is awarded to a third or fourth year medical student at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita. The scholarship is designed for students who plan to establish a primary care career in family medicine, general pediatrics, general internal medicine or medicine/pediatrics in rural areas or inner city areas in Kansas. Scholarship recipients may receive up to $10,000 a year. In accepting the award, the student is asked to commit to one year of practice in areas of acute need in Kansas. Applicants who meet these qualifications should contact the Dean's office at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita for additional details.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The E. Eugene Carter Scholarship Fund
One scholarship award of $2,500 is given annually to a graduating senior from East High School in Wichita, KS. who is enrolled in an accredited two or four year college of university in the United States. Applicants must study in the area of engineering or science. A preference is given to female applicants who are either Hispanic, first generation immigrant population or first generation college attendee. A 3.0 GPA is required and consideration will be given to financial need, school related and volunteer activities and work experience. Qualified applicants should contact the Counselor's office at East High for application forms.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The J.D. Edmiston Scholarship Fund for Track and Field Athletes
Created by family and friends of legendary East High track coach J.D. Edmiston, this Fund awards two scholarships annually to one male and one female student graduating from East High School in Wichita, KS. Students must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, junior college or technical college in the United States. Awards will be made with regard to financial need and academic achievement to students who have actively participated in varsity track and field and/or cross country in their senior year at East High. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and will be selected in consideration of school related and volunteer activities and work experience. Qualified applicants should contact the Counselor's office at East High for application forms.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The Gregory Fleming Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in 2001 by his loving parents, Raymond and Dianne Fleming, this Fund honors the memory of their son. After living a short but difficult life to the fullest, Gregory Fleming died at 25 of complications from muscular dystrophy. His legacy continues through a scholarship awarded annually to a graduating senior at Mulvane High School for their first year of post-secondary education, including vocational or special education. Successful applicants will have demonstrated the ability to overcome an academic, social or cultural obstacle in the elementary, middle or secondary school years. Typically, achievement of potential, as evidenced by the best use of talents and personal attributes, especially in the face of opinion to the contrary, is required. Additionally, a drive for life, demonstrated through involvement in school, church or community activities and a demonstrated sense of humor are essential to a successful applicant. Those wishing to apply should contact the Counselor at Mulvane High School.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The Brian David Higby Fund
Established in 1995, the Brian David Higby Fund offers summertime activities to middle school students in the Sedgwick County area who are identified through the Communities in Schools program. Activities cover a wide range of educational and recreational opportunities designed to build self-esteem, confidence and basic skills in young people. Parents interested in the Higby program should contact the Communities in Schools site coordinator at their school.

The Junior ROTC Scholarship Fund
Founded in 1986 by the Military Officers Association of America, this Fund provides scholarship awards to outstanding Junior ROTC cadets in Wichita Public schools or the Derby Public schools. Potential recipients must have completed a minimum of one year in Junior ROTC by the time of their high school graduation. The scholarship seeks to identify students who have made a significant contribution to JROTC, have become better citizens as a result of their JROTC experience, have demonstrated potential to succeed in higher education and have a financial need to go to college. Complete information on the scholarship guidelines and application forms are available through JROTC coordinators at area high schools.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

The James Kent Pitetti Memorial Scholarship Fund
Created in 1996 by Dr. Kenneth and Carol Pitetti, this scholarship honors the memory of their son, James Kent Pitetti, who died at the age of twenty. The scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Derby High School in Derby, KS where James excelled both as a student and an athlete. At the time of his death, he had just completed his second year at the United States Air Force Academy where he was majoring in bio-physics while pursuing his love of flying and pitching for the Academy's baseball team. For a complete listing of scholarship guidelines and an application form, students at Derby High School should contact the school counselor.

Award notices will be posted on our website no later than May 15th, 2009!

Soroptomist/Olive Ann Beech Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarship funds are awarded annually to students attending the Wichita Area Technical College with preference given to adult women who are endeavoring to acquire a career which will benefit themselves and others who may depend upon them. Consideration is given to economic need, potential for success, personal diligence and academic achievement. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the office of the Counselor at the Wichita Area Technical College for application forms.

The Patricia G. Smith MICU Nursing Scholarship Fund
Scholarships are awarded annually to qualified nursing staff employed in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS. for the purpose of attending continuing education classes for professional growth and development. Receipt of a scholarship is not in any way compensatory, no minimum period of employment is required for scholarship eligibility and there is no employee payback requirement by Wesley Medical Center. Under this scholarship payment or reimbursement shall include tuition for continuing education classes and expenses directly related to travel for educational purposes. Potential applicants should contact the Chief Nursing Officer at Wesley Medical Center for details.

The Lorraine and Otis Smith Caddie Scholarship Fund
Scholarships recipients are selected annually from the caddie population at the Flint Hills National Golf Club in Andover, KS. Awards are for educational expenses (tuition, books and educationally-related supplies) at a post-secondary educational institution preferably in the state of Kansas. All awards are made with regard to financial need and qualified applicants should contact the Administrative Office at the Flint Hills National Golf Club for details.