KU News Release

KU announces 128 new Dole Public Service Scholars

LAWRENCE — The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will give 128 Sen. Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholarships of $1,000 each to recent Kansas high school graduates for the 2009-10 academic year.

The new scholars have been invited to attend a luncheon today at the Dole Institute, where they will be formally introduced. The scholarship program recognizes graduating seniors who have volunteered in their communities and maintained a 3.0 or higher grade-point average. Renewable up to three years, the scholarships require recipients to complete 100 hours of civic activity annually.

Recipients will enroll this fall at one of the six Kansas Board of Regents universities or Washburn University in Topeka. Regents universities are KU, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University.

The scholarship program began with a federal grant that funded 40 scholarships each year in 2005 and 2006. Since 2007, a total of 128 scholarships have been awarded annually. Funded by NASA, the scholarships are distributed among the state’s four congressional districts to ensure the broadest statewide participation.

“With this year’s class of 128 and the scholars renewing their scholarships, more than $400,000 in scholarship money is circulating in the Kansas economy,” said Barbara Ballard, director of the scholarship program and associate director of the Dole Institute. “Our first group of scholars from 2005 completed four years this year.”

Aligned with the primary mission of the Dole Institute of Politics, the scholarship program encourages young Kansans to get involved in politics, government and community service.

“Our goal is to encourage students to enter public service,” Ballard said.

The Dole Institute provides diverse opportunities for the scholars to become involved in civic engagement and public service.

“We are encouraged that so many outstanding young Kansans have chosen to make public service a part of their lives,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute. “Ultimately, we hope to help students understand the challenges and rewards of public life.”

The Dole scholarship is 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.

During the luncheon, the new scholars will be greeted by Diana Carlin, professor of communications studies; Sue Hack, executive director of Leadership Lawrence and former Lawrence mayor; and Ballard and Lacy. Paul Buskirk, associate athletics director, is the keynote speaker.

The new scholars are listed by hometown, Kansas congressional district number, university they will attend and intended major at www.news.ku.edu/2009/june/24/dolescholars.shtml. The Kansas congressional district representatives are: Jerry Moran, R-Hays, District 1; Lynn Jenkins, R-Holton, District 2; Dennis Moore, D-Kansas City, Kan., District 3; and Todd Tiahrt, R-Wichita, District 4.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.