scholarship opportunities
Due date for all Scholarships is March 13, 2026. The Virjean Burton Youth Philanthropy Award deadline has been extended to April 3, 2026 and has a separate online form or application portal. See info below to apply.
Soroptimist International of Kansas City Northland Healthcare Scholarship
This scholarship is a renewing scholarship for 4 years.
To be eligible a student must:
1. Be a female graduating senior of a high school located in Clay or Platte County, and
2. Be entering an institution of higher education and enrolling in a B.S. or above designated healthcare degree program.
Prosperity Planning Scholarship Fund
Students eligible for this scholarship shall be:
1. A graduating senior from one of the following school districts:
Excelsior Springs, Park Hill, Platte County, Smithville, North Kansas City, Kearney, Lawson, Liberty, Lathrop, West Platte
2. Must have maintained a 3.25 GPA through the first 7 semesters of high school; and
3. Must demonstrate a strong work ethic both inside and outside
the classroom
This $1,000 scholarship is renewable for a total of 4 years providing that student maintains a cumulative GPA of 2.5 while in college and continues to demonstrate strong work ethic and have no disciplinary actions.
Scholarship will be used for tuition, books, course related fees, as well as on-campus housing expense.
Parkville Fine Arts Scholarship
The Parkville Fine Arts Association sponsors a $1,000 scholarship to assist Park Hill School District students who are pursuing higher education in the field of fine arts.
The Parkville Fine Arts Association (PFAA) Scholarship Fund provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors of Park Hill School District. The scholarships are intended to assist students who are pursuing higher education in the field of fine arts. Fine arts are defined as music, drama or the visual or performing arts.
Students eligible for assistance must meet the following:
1. Be a graduating senior of a high school in the Park Hill School District;
2. Must have a high school GPA of, with the e at least 2.75 (based on a 4.0 grade point system);
3. Must show demonstrated talent in at least one area of fine arts; and
4. Must be enrolling in a college or university with a declared major in at least one area of fine arts.
Pastor Otis Cobbins Memorial Scholarship
The Pastor Otis L. Cobbins, Sr. Memorial Scholarship honors a young individual(s) who is furthering their education and exemplifies the attributes of Pastor Cobbins, Sr.
To be eligible for the scholarship students must be:
1. A graduate of a high school in the five county metropolitan area in Kansas City. This includes Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas, and Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri
2. Accepted to attend or enrolled as an undergraduate in a higher education institution for a minimum of 12 hours per semester
3. In good academic standing with school currently attending
Applicants must demonstrate:
· The qualities and attributes of Pastor Cobbins, Sr. in their community, school, and social life
· Loving service to family and community
· Hardworking, dependable, loyal, and committed to family, church, employer, and the community
· Trustworthy and ethical
· Financial need1
J. Harold and Mabel Hamil Memorial Scholarship
The J. Harold and Mabel Hamil Memorial Scholarship program provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors in honor of J. Harold and Mabel Hamil. The scholarships are intended to assist high school students who have excelled in the areas of English/Journalism; Debate/Public Speaking; Political Science; and/or Community Involvement to pursue a college/university education.
Eligible students will be a graduating senior from one of the following Northland high schools: North Kansas City High School, Oak Park High School, Winnetonka High School, Park Hill High School, Park Hill South High School, Platte Co. R-III High School, Staley High School, or St. Pius X High School.
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation with their application. One from a teacher or counselor at their high school, and a second from an individual not related to them who is familiar with their accomplishments and character. Student must submit their most current transcript.
Harvest Ball Founders’ Scholarship
The Harvest Ball Founders’ Scholarship was created in 2022 to honor the founders of the Harvest Ball Society, Patty Garney and Sandra Doolin Mellinger, in recognition of the leadership they demonstrated in establishing that organization to address numerous charitable needs in Clay and Platte Counties.
This scholarship is awarded to students in secondary school, military or other organizations who have demonstrated outstanding leadership.
Students eligible for this scholarship shall be:
1. Current College Students or High School seniors with a 3.0 GPA
2. From Platte or Clay counties in Missouri
3. Planning to pursue a 2/4 year institution, military training or trade/technical school.
4. Demonstrate outstanding leadership in school, community or other extracurricular activities.
Virjean Burton Youth Philanthropy Award
This scholarship is awarded to a youth in our community who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism in the community and is named after one of the founders of the Northland Community Foundation, Virjean Burton. The student receives a $2,000.00 scholarship and gets to select a charitable recipient to receive a $1,000.00 grant.
THE VIRJEAN BURTON YOUTH PHILANTHROPY AWARD
The Northland Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Award celebrates philanthropy in the Northland by recognizing young Northlanders who have demonstrated a combination of philanthropic leadership and action. This award is deservingly named The Virjean Burton Youth Philanthropy Award, in honor of Virjean’s inspiring dedication to our Northland community.
The recipients of this award have the opportunity to select a Northland nonprofit organization that will receive a $1,000 grant. In addition, the recipients receive a $2,000 scholarship to the post-secondary institution of his/her choice.
RECIPIENT QUALIFICATIONS
- The recipient must be a resident of Clay or Platte County in the Northland.
- The recipient’s contributions must benefit the residents of Clay and/or Platte counties.
- The recipient must be 18 years old or younger.
- The recipient must be available to attend the Northland Community Foundation’s Annual Breakfast held on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa.
- The recipient cannot be a family member of a current Northland Community Foundation board member.
AWARD CRITERIA
- The recipient must exhibit outstanding civic responsibility as demonstrated by their voluntary commitment of time and talents in the Northland.
- The recipient must exhibit leadership in the community by a willingness to serve in leadership roles; creativity and vision; and/or the ability to involve others in philanthropic activity.
- The recipient’s concerns and efforts within their field must exceed the normal scope of community service.
NOMINATION PROCESS
- Nominations for award recipients are solicited each year.
- Northland schools and nonprofit organizations are notified of the nomination process.
- Northland individuals, organizations and businesses are eligible to submit nominations.
- Nominations are made by completing a nomination form, which is due by April 3, 2026.
- Final selection of the award recipient is made by the Northland Community Foundation scholarship committee.
Nominations must be received by April 3, 2026.
Questions?
Please contact Libby Blair at 816.668.4640 or hickory4714@gmail.com
VIRJEAN BURTON YOUTH PHILANTHROPY AWARD NOMINATION FORM
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growyourgiving.org/resources/scholarships/
Due date for all Scholarships is March 13, 2026.
Due date for all Scholarships is March 13, 2026. The Virjean Burton Youth Philanthropy Award deadline has been extended to April 3, 2026 and has a separate online form or application portal. See info below to apply.