We are excited to support your team as they prepare scholarship applications! While the process can feel like climbing a steep mountain, the right preparation can make all the difference in helping applicants reach the summit and take in the rewarding view.
Please feel free to share the guidance below with any staff member interested in applying for a scholarship from the LeadingAge Kansas Foundation:
What to Pack for the Journey
A strong application starts with the right essentials:
- A clear and compelling story. Your application is meant to help the selection committee get to know you better, and learn how you are using your skills, talents, and passions to improve the lives of your community. Use this opportunity to tell your story in a clear, engaging way. Avoid one- or two-sentence responses and instead provide meaningful detail that helps the reader truly understand your journey and goals.
- Support from those who know your work best. Think about the leaders who have seen your dedication firsthand, like your administrator, Director of Nursing (DON), or other supervisors in your building. Reach out to them and invite them to share their perspective on your growth, your character, and the impact you’ve made by writing a letter of reference on your behalf. Their words of support help bring your story to life and show the scholarship committee the difference you are making every day. Encourage them to include a handwritten signature and use company letterhead when possible, adding an extra layer of authenticity and professionalism.
- Meaningful experiences. Go beyond listing community involvement. Share the purpose behind the extra little things you do for your community and the impact it has made. Strong connections to improving the lives of Kansas elders are especially powerful.
- Acknowledge your path. If you have previously received a LeadingAge Kansas Foundation scholarship, include how it influenced your journey. Our donors and selection committee value seeing the difference they’ve made.
- A trusted reviewer. Before submitting, ask someone you trust to review your application for grammar, spelling, clarity, and overall content. A second set of eyes can strengthen your application and help ensure your message shines through.
What to Leave at Home
Some things can slow the climb and keep applications from reaching the top:
- Incomplete sections or brief, underdeveloped responses. Every part of your application matters
- Grammar errors or sentence fragments that distract from your message
- Last-minute submissions that feel rushed or lack thoughtful detail
Thank you for encouraging and supporting your team members as they take this important step. With the right preparation, they’ll be well-equipped to climb confidently toward this opportunity.
Please reach out to Addy Cunningham (addy@leadingagekansas.org) if you have any questions.
