HUMBOLDT — Graduates of Humboldt High School will now be equipped to “pursue their boldest plans” upon the announcement of The Humboldt Promise at Monday night’s meeting of the Board of Education.
The Humboldt Promise — a scholarship that provides nearly every Humboldt student with the opportunity to continue their education beyond graduation by awarding up to 100% of the cost of enrollment in college, university, or technical training — was created and funded by The Works Family Foundation, a nonprofit organized to support community development and education in Humboldt.
“Every year, we ask 5-yearold students, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ and we smile at their choices as they dream,” reflects Humboldt Superintendent Dr. Amber Wheeler. “The Humboldt Promise opens doors for our students to follow those hopes and dreams. It’s a statement that what they’ve hoped for is possible, and Humboldt believes in them.”
The scholarship provides tuition and mandatory fees for up to 120 credit hours at any Title IV institution, but does not cover lodging, food, books, supplies, or program fees. The maximum scholarship payout is set equal to the highest in-state tuition at a Kansas public university, currently $404 per credit hour.
Eligible students must graduate from Humboldt High School, and have been enrolled in Humboldt schools since at least 10th grade. Students must also achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher during high school, and complete 50 hours of approved community service to qualify. A recipient’s award is based on the length of their continuous enrollment in Humboldt schools. Graduates who have been enrolled since elementary school are qualified for up to 100% of their tuition and fees. Those who joined the district between elementary school and 10th grade qualify for a lesser amount.
The Humboldt Promise is available to this year’s Class of 2025, who may find the application and information at the program website, Humboldt-Promise.org.
While providing student with the ability to chase bold educational dreams is one motive of those behind A Humboldt Promise, the broader goal focuses on the community as a whole. The Works Family Foundation views both the scholarship and its other work — from rehabilitating the downtown Fussman building, to funding events like the Middle of Everywhere music festival — as consistent with that community-building focus.
“Allowing students to follow a diverse set of educational dreams is a good thing itself,” notes Janie Works of The Works Family Foundation. “But the benefits of A Humboldt Promise extend beyond the students. Solidifying school enrollment, giving employers another carrot to attract new employees to town, and building a deeper commitment to the town in our families and graduates — those outcomes strengthen the community as a whole.”
Superintendent Amber Wheeler also notes the potential for these kinds of benefits. “The Humboldt Promise provides yet another opportunity for us to recruit the best teaching team for our students. It’s another reason for families to choose Humboldt schools,” Wheeler said. “It’s one more reason for our students to follow their dreams, and then bring those dreams back to Humboldt with them.”
The Humboldt Promise scholarship will be administered by an employee of the school district, a new position approved by the Board of Education Monday night, and substantially funded by a grant from The Works Family Foundation.
