"Apply Kansas," an initiative started by April Keim, assistant director of admissions at Wichita State University, has led to the designation of October as "College Application Month" in Kansas. Gov. Sam Brownback recently signed the proclamation, which encourages all high school seniors to take advantage of available assistance in the application process.
“Apply Kansas” seeks to increase the number of students who apply to college early in their senior year, with a focus on students from low-income families, first-generation students and students who may not otherwise apply to college.
“If Kansas wants to be economically diverse and competitive globally, we must do better to educate our population and increase postsecondary attainment,” said Keim. “We must create and celebrate a college-going culture that provides opportunity for all.”
“Apply Kansas” events are coordinated by each participating high school and will utilize trained volunteers and school staff to help students gather information necessary to complete an application, review admission standards with students before applying, and complete application fee waiver forms, if needed. Activities scheduled throughout the month of October seek to have each participating student submit at least one college application. Students may apply to any college of their choice, including all the public universities, community colleges and technical colleges in the state, as well as all 18 independent colleges in Kansas. Volunteers from Wichita State and the surrounding community will assist students, and Keim encourages people interested in getting involved to contact her.
Across the nation, there is a significant gap between students who want to attend college and those who apply. In a recent survey, 97 percent of high school students said they wanted to go to college, but only 68 percent of 2014 high school graduates enrolled. Among low-income students the gap is even wider. Though college-going rates for low-income students have doubled in recent decades, only half enroll in postsecondary education directly after high school.
"This initiative will help more Kansas students realize the dream of attending college and set them on the path toward completing their educational goals, as well as their career goals," said regent Helen Van Etten, chairwoman of the Kansas Board of Regents Academic Affairs Standing Committee.
October events are scheduled at the following high schools:
- Wyandotte High School (USD 500)
- JC Harmon High School (USD 500)
- FL Schlagle High School (USD 500)
- Washington High School (USD 500)
- North High School (USD 259)
- East High School (USD 259)
- Heights High School (USD 259)
- Northwest High School (USD 259)
- Dodge City High School (USD 443)
- Parsons Senior High School (USD 503)
For communities that do not have an event scheduled, helpful advice for high school seniors can be found at http://bit.ly/1Lg1VVa.
"Apply Kansas: College Application Month" is an initiative coordinated by a statewide steering committee, which includes representatives from the Kansas Board of Regents, public postsecondary institutions, independent colleges and high school guidance counselors. After this pilot year with 10 high schools, the steering committee will work to grow the program statewide to continue creating a seamless transition between students leaving high school, entering college and moving into the workforce.