UMKC group awards seven for 2016
Katelyn McAlister, a Kansas City, Mo., resident and a spring 2016 graduate of Raytown High School, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.
When McAlister enters the Pre-Education program 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.
McAlister, who graduated in the top four percent of her class, was on the Principal’s Honor Roll throughout high school. She was the president of the Student Council and the National Honor Society and served as the Relay for Life Event chair and a Youth Advisory Council leader. In addition, McAlister had perfect attendance throughout high school.
As a volunteer in her community, she participated in the Raytown Emergency Assistance Program and in the Key Club.
In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, McAlister explained her decision to pursue a pre-education degree at UMKC.
“It wasn’t until my senior year in high school, while president of the National Honor Society, that I finally affirmed my desire to become a teacher. It is my hope that by obtaining a degree from the School of Education at UMKC I can not only grow as a teacher, but also expand my depth on bettering the community.”
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.