Are you interested in applying?
The scholarship committee is looking for applicants who are motivated to further their education, train for a job field, and grow in service to their community. Because we know — from our own experience — that success can be achieved through many different educational routes, we are awarding equal scholarships to college-bound students and to students pursuing an alternative higher education.
2026 RECIPIENTS
College-Track Scholarship from the Spirit of ’72 Fund
Eligibility Requirements
Are enrolled at Manhattan (Kansas) High School with the intent of graduating at the end of the current school year.
Have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 over your three-year high school career.
Intend to use the scholarship money to pursue a higher education at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university.
Exemplify the spirit of community (to be addressed in the application’s essay question).
In keeping with the spirit of community that epitomizes the Class of ’72, applicants for this scholarship must provide a 300- to 600-word statement describing how they have participated in their community and how that experience has enriched their life and influenced their ambitions. The definition of “community” is up to the applicant. For example, it could be participating in a school, civic, or religious organization; volunteering to help individuals or groups; undertaking a project that is useful to others; or simply lending a hand to help someone in need.
Additionally, applicants need to submit a letter of recommendation from an adult in an oversight role (coach, teacher, employer, pastor, etc.), indicating character, work ethic, and expectation for success.
Professional/Technical Track Scholarship from the Spirit of ’72 Fund
Eligibility Requirements
Are enrolled at Manhattan (Kansas) High School with the intent of graduating at the end of the current school year.
Have maintained a grade point average of 2.5 over your three-year high school career.
Intend to use the scholarship money at a professional, vocational, or technical school.
Express why your ambitions and experiences have led you to pursue your choice of study (to be addressed in the application’s essay question).
Additionally, applicants also need to submit a letter of recommendation from an adult in an oversight role (coach, teacher, employer, pastor, etc.), indicating character, work ethic, and expectation for success.
Application Form