KU News Release

KU’s Dole Institute to welcome largest class of Dole Public Service Scholars

LAWRENCE — The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will welcome its largest class of Sen. Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholars during a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 20, in the institute’s Hansen Hall.

A total of 128 scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded this spring to top Kansas high school graduates. The scholarships are renewable for three years and may be used at KU, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, Wichita State University or Washburn University.

“This year the Dole Institute received a second federal grant and we are able to offer nearly three times the number of scholarships as in each of the previous two years,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute.

The scholarship program began in 2005 with a federal grant that funded 40 scholarships per year. The scholarships are distributed among the state’s four congressional districts to ensure the broadest statewide participation.

During the luncheon, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh will address the scholars. KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway will give the official welcome. All members of the Kansas Congressional delegation have been invited to attend.

“In keeping with the Dole Institute’s primary mission, the scholarship program is designed to encourage young Kansans to get involved in politics, government and community service,” Lacy said.

The program recognizes top students who have demonstrated involvement in volunteer community and public service and who have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

“This fall we will have 208 Dole Scholars in Kansas Regents institutions and Washburn,” said Barbara Ballard, associate director of the Dole Institute. “Dole Scholars are required to engage in 100 hours of civic activities annually with the hope their experiences will influence them throughout their lives.”

The scholarship program is funded by NASA and administered by Scholarship Management Services, a department of Scholarship America, a national nonprofit educational support and student aid service organization that seeks to involve and assist the private sector in expanding educational opportunities and encouraging educational achievement. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, disability or national origin.

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