UMKC group awards seven for 2016
Benjamin Rankin, a Springfield, Mo., resident and a spring 2016 graduate of Central High School, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.
When Rankin enters the political science program at UMKC in the fall, he will receive a scholarship valued at $60,000 over four years. His award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.
Rankin, who graduated in the top four percent of his class, was a varsity debater, varsity swimmer and performed technical work at the Crowder Theater Festival. In addition, he was a National Merit Semifinalist and was accepted to the Missouri Scholars Academy in July 2015 where he got First Place in the poetry slam.
As a dedicated community member, Rankin volunteers for the Dickerson Park Zoo and was a Central High School International Baccalaureate Program ambassador.
In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Rankin said he wants to spend his life effecting change in the world.
“College is more than just a place to learn. It’s an opportunity to show what you are capable of. With the help of the Trustees Scholars Program, I think that UMKC will give me the perfect chance to show the world what potential I have.”
The Trustees Scholarship provides educational fees and on-campus room and board for the first two years. In the third and fourth years, the package provides educational fees and $2,000 for room and board. Each Trustees’ Scholar also receives $500 toward books each year.
To qualify as Trustees’ Scholars, students must meet at least two of the following three criteria: score a minimum ACT Composite of 30, rank in the top five percent of the graduating class, or have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or more in a 17-class core curriculum. Trustees’ Scholars must enroll full time, be seeking an undergraduate degree and commit to living on campus for the first two years.
The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program is unique in that it aligns students closely with corporate sponsors, who give students access to their professional knowledge and experience, insight into the inner workings of the company or institution they represent, and a strong mentor relationship throughout the college experience. Students have opportunities to network and find internships or jobs through the Trustees and their connections in the community.