Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is proud to announce a record-breaking year for its Scholarship Program, awarding an astounding $921,450 in scholarships to 354 students from across Eastern Jackson County and the surrounding region.
With an additional $35,000–$40,000 in awards anticipated before year’s end, total scholarship support for 2025 is projected to exceed $960,000, marking the most generous year in the Foundation’s history.
On Thursday, June 4, THCF brought together students and the generous donors who support them at the annual Scholarship Awards Ice Cream Social. This special event offers recipients and fundholders a rare opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate educational achievement over a sweet treat, a tradition unique to THCF that underscores the community’s commitment to student success.
“These scholarships are so much more than financial aid,” said Rachael Cassiday Watkins, Director of Scholarships at THCF. “They are affirmations of hope and belief in the potential of young people. They make higher education possible for many students who may otherwise struggle to afford it, and they connect generations through the shared value of giving back.”
This year’s impact reflects the generosity and vision behind 175 named scholarship funds, each established with a unique purpose — whether honoring a loved one, supporting a particular field of study, or helping students from specific schools or communities. Together, these funds made 478 awards to students attending colleges, universities, and technical schools nationwide.
The review process was made possible by a dedicated team of 407 Scholarship Reviewers who volunteered to process 2,996 applications. Their thoughtful attention to detail and dedication to fairness ensured that each award was made with care and intention.
“Year after year, our volunteers show up with incredible commitment,” said Watkins. “They read every story, consider every goal, and weigh each application with compassion. This milestone is their accomplishment as much as it is the students’.”
Download the 2025 Scholarship Awards Booklet, featuring the scholarship funds and recipients.
The Foundation’s Scholarship Program has seen significant growth in recent years. In 2024, THCF awarded $828,181 in scholarships — and just five years ago, in 2019, that number was $319,054. This year’s projected total of $960,000 represents a remarkable 200% increase since 2019, a testament to the community’s deepening investment in education.
To learn more about the Truman Heartland Scholarship Program contact Rachael Cassidy Watkins, Scholarship Director, at watkins@thcf.org or 816-912-4185. For more on how to start a scholarship fund, contact Cole Eason, VP of Development, at eason@thcf.org or call (816) 912-4182.
