The Wichita Foundation (wichitafoundation.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships) is the highest-value stop on this list for local students.
Why. Rather than filling out a separate application for each fund, you complete one general application and the system matches you automatically to every award you qualify for. You then answer any additional questions attached to your matched scholarships and submit each one.
Who it covers. Students attending accredited colleges, universities, technical schools, camps, and experiential learning programs. This includes students already enrolled, not only graduating seniors.
The window. Applications open January 1 and are due March 31, unless a specific fund notes otherwise.
What is in it. Scholarships established by individual donors and organizations, each with its own criteria. One example is the Breakfast Optimist Club of Wichita fund, which has granted scholarships to Sedgwick County students since 1987.
One step that matters. Be sure to click submit for each matched scholarship, not just on the general application.
Sources: Wichita Foundation, wichitafoundation.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships and wichitafoundation.org/grants-and-scholarships.