Kansas City’s university awards seven for 2018

Camille Poulain, a spring 2018 De Soto High School graduate, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.

When Poulain begins communications studies at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $60,000 over four years. Her award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.

Poulain, who graduated in the top 3 percent of her class, was a member of the National Honor Society, band and Fellowship for Christian Athletes. She was a worship leader at Westside Family Church and Kansas City Rescue Mission. In addition to Poulain’s volunteer work, she has taken two mission trips, one to Nicaragua and one to Belize.

In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Poulain said she wants to pursue a master’s degree so she can teach English.

“Education is imperative in raising up a generation of students that is equipped to better their own community with humility, confidence and self-discipline,” Poulain said. “The outstanding educational opportunities at UMKC, such as mentorship, study abroad programs and internships, will equip me to set an example of intentionality in my own relationships and sharpen my ability to teach students to lead the change they desire to see in their own communities.”

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.

The UMKC Board of Trustees is a non-profit organization established by civic and community leaders to support the University. Members advocate on the University’s behalf, provide community feedback and forge partnerships to help the University achieve its strategic priorities and financial objectives.