INDEPENDENCE, MO. (December 21, 2023) – Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) invites students of all ages to apply for more than $800,000 in scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year beginning December 15, 2023. Students can submit one general scholarship application that will match them with more than 50 scholarships they may be qualified to receive. Once matched to scholarships, additional documentation such as transcripts with final Fall 2023 grades, essays, letters of reference, or statements about participation in certain activities may be required. The deadline to submit the general scholarship application and any supplemental materials is April 1, 2024. Visit www.thcf.org/students/scholarships to learn more and begin the application process.

The timeline for THCF’s general scholarship application for 2024-2025 is later than normal due to changes being made to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the U.S. Department of Education. THCF utilizes the FAFSA’s findings about applicants’ financial need in awarding many of its scholarships. The new, simplified FAFSA is scheduled to launch by December 31, 2023, more than two months later than usual. Visit www.mofafsa.org to learn more about the FAFSA changes and get current updates.

"Whether you are a graduating high school senior, a current college student, or an adult looking to go back to school and finish your degree, chances are there is a scholarship at the foundation available for you," said Rachael Watkins, Director of Scholarships at THCF. "We encourage everyone seeking higher education to apply for scholarships."

Some scholarships have separate stand-alone applications, and their deadlines and requirements vary. We encourage students to apply for each scholarship for which they are eligible.

In 2023, Truman Heartland awarded more than $784,000 in scholarships to 349 local students. Since 1982, THCF has awarded more than $6.7 million to help students reach their educational goals. For questions or personal assistance with scholarships, please contact Rachael Watkins, Director of Scholarships, at watkins@thcf.org or 816-912-4185.