Lawrence Schools Foundation

Our Programs
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Programs

The Lawrence Schools Foundation provides resources that inspire learning, enrich teaching and enhance opportunities for all students, educators, and staff in Lawrence Public Schools.

 

Whatever your WHY, when you donate to the Lawrence Schools Foundation, you support and enhance public education in Lawrence. We take pride in being a lot of things to a lot of people and we hope you will help us by donating to support your WHY!

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A Community of Support For Our Students and Our Schools

The Lawrence Schools Foundation is committed to providing financial support for the students and teachers of Lawrence Public Schools. 

Call For Inquiry

(785) 330-1941

Mail For Inquiry

jsinclai.usd497.org

01. Grants

Each year the Lawrence Schools Foundation makes grant applications available to those in the school district.

(List of all grants and applications below).

02. Scholarships

Thanks to our generous community, graduating high school seniors are provided the opportunity to apply for a large number of available scholarships to help defray the cost of college.

03. Awards

Each year district teachers and staff are recognized with various awards through the Lawrence Schools Foundation. Nominations from staff, students and community are accepted for the Dedication to Education, Educator of the Year and Excellence in Teaching honors. (Awards & Nomination info below.)

04. Special Funds

There are a number of funds started by individuals or businesses to provide additional resources for extra-curricular activities or to help fund certain needs of our students.

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Programs

Grants

The Lawrence Schools Foundation now offers spring and fall grant application cycles each year. The deadline to apply for Foundation grants is

February 1st  & September 1st

McCown Gordon, LLC Teacher Grant

Helps teachers expose students to construction, engineering, or architecture, with a primary focus on the number of students impacted.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM.

Download Application

Innovative Teaching Grants

Helps educators or groups of educators to implement innovative, unique student projects that enrich learning, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; and result in increased achievement.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM.

Download 

Carl Knox Staff Development Grant

Funds professional development experiences, such as summer institutes, action research, mentoring experience, or lesson study.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM

Download Application

Music Endowment Grants

Provide music educators funds to enhance access to, enrich the quality of, and expand the educational experiences of their students.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM.

Download Application

Professional Development & Learning Grant

This Professional Development Grant was established through the Lawrence Schools Foundation, to provide professional learning opportunities and summer professional learning compensation to facilitate responses content area learning standards, for Lawrence Public Schools educators of grades 9-12.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on April 30 by 5:00 PM

Download Application

School Assistance Grants

Building administrators are encouraged to apply for a grant to fund a purchase, project or program for which state or federal funds are not available.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM

Download Application

Scholarships

All local Scholarship Applications are due by Wednesday, February 13th, 2024. 

Students need to apply through their respective schools application process.

Lawrence High School Students: https://www.usd497.org/Page/6764

Free State High School Students: https://www.usd497.org/Page/7015

 

Adam Leitel Memorial Scholarship

Description: In memory of friend and loved one, Adam Leitel. Adam was a Social Studies teacher as well as an Assistant Track and Field and Assistant Girls’ Tennis Coach at Free State High School.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Type of Criteria: Applicants must be a member of the Free State High School Track & Field program and be involved in school and community activities.

Application Form: None. Must be nominated by Track & Field Coaches at Free State High School.

Aimee and Kathleen Ziegler Memorial

Description: In memory of Aimee E. Ziegler, who was a counselor at LFSHS and her mother, Kathleen. Aimee was well known in Lawrence for her involvement in creating the WRAP program and her numerous coaching positions at Free State.

Applicants must have average or above average GPA (minimum 2.5), but not for highest achievers. Must show solid effort toward academics and demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,500

Type of Criteria: Need, 2.5 GPA

Application Form: None. Must be nominated by School Counselor or Social Worker

Al and Leona Deiser Memorial

Applicants must have graduated from Billy Mills Middle School (South Middle School) and are pursuing a career in a skilled trade.  Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need.  Applicants must have been involved in school activities and plans to attend any 4-year college/university or 2-year junior college/vocational and/or technical school.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

 

Arthur "Mike" Browning Memorial

Applicants must be involved in school activities and/or athletics.  Applicants must have been involved in community activities and plans to attend any four-year college/university or two-year junior college/vocational and/or technical school.  Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form:  LHS General Application

Barbara Burnett Scholarship

Applicants must be interested in pursuing a career in the health-related or medical field, with priority given to someone interested in becoming a dietician or nurse. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Betty Dobbins Fine Arts Scholarship

Applicants must plan to study in the field of Performing or Visual Arts and be involved in school activities such as Performing or Visual Arts. Applicant must be active in classes, camps or workshops for Performing or Visual Arts and demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Bob and Pauline Johnson Scholarship

Applicants must have an IEP based on academic challenges.  Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and plan to attend a two-year college, vocational or technical school, or a four-year college.

Number of Scholarships:  1

Award Amount:  $1,000

Application Form:  LHS General Application

Carol J.C. Church Scholarship

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be a graduate of Billy Mills Middle School (South Middle School).  Applicants must plan to major in Education at a  4-year or 2-year college or university and demonstrate financial need. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Central Bank of The Midwest Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funding for a student who intends to pursue a career in business or finance and who demonstrates financial need.

Applicants must plan to major in Education at a  4-year or 2-year college or university and demonstrate financial need. 

Number of Scholarships: 4 (2 at each high school)

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Chantel Anderson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Anderson’s in memory of their daughter, Chantal, a former LHS student and graduate of KU who enjoyed athletics, music and art. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and plan on attending a 4 year Kansas college or university and major in a health related field, including, but not limited to nursing, physical education, and pre-med.  Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 2 (1 per each high school)

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Coach Kermit D. Aldridge Scholarship

Applicants must be majoring in education.  Applicants must plan to attend the University of Kansas

Number of Scholarships:  1

Award Amount:  $500

Application Form:  LHS General Application

David "Doc" Johnson Scholarship

Applicants have a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate leadership qualities, and plan to attend a 4-year college/university or a 2-year college/junior college, vocational and/or technical school.  Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be involved in school, athletics and community activities.

Number of Scholarships: 2

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #309 Scholarship

Applicants must be a female student with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5, involvement in community activities and/or volunteering and plan to attend any four-year college/university or two-year college/school (junior college, vocational and/or technical school)

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Geoffrey Tyler Gaston Scholarship:

Description: This scholarship was started in memory of Geoffrey Tyler Gaston.
Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, must demonstrate financial need and have focused on college preparatory classes.
Number of Scholarships: 1 Award Amount: $1,000
Criteria: Merit and Need
Application Form: FSHS General Application

Gerald M. "Jerry" Vogel Scholarship

Applicants must have a disability and plan on attending any college

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Bill and Gunna Zimmerman "Motivational Award"

Applicants must have a GPA between 1.5 and 2.75 with interest in studying English, art or music at an accredited institution or the military.  Applicants must attach a nomination letter from an English, art, or music teacher, or by an administrator or counselor.

Additional Requirements: Applicants must attach a nomination letter.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Bill and Kay Naughton Wrestling Scholarship

Applicants must be a member of the LHS wrestling team and demonstrate financial need.  Applicants must be involved in school and community activities.  This scholarship can be used at any post-secondary education institution. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Carl Mibeck Scholarship

Applicant must identify as a LGBTQ senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend a 4-year college or university. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $2,500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Dale Shillington Memorial Scholarship:

Dale(FSHS class of 2009) was a student who preferred the back row of the classroom and could frequently be caught sleeping during first hour. Dale never met a stranger. His personality was larger than life and his smile was the biggest you ever saw. He was a natural born leader that people gravitated towards. Dale lived by the motto of “go big or go home”. He was a member of the varsity soccer team his sophomore through senior year. Senior year he was team captain and was selected to the All-State soccer team. His picture still hangs just down the hall, outside of the gym. He was also a member of the varsity golf team all 4 years of high school, qualifying for state his senior year. 13 years ago Dale stood on this very stage and accepted a full ride scholarship from the United States Air Force. After four years and a lot of work, Dale graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. In his last semester Dale was informed he had been selected to receive a coveted pilot training slot that he had worked so hard for. In his short time as an instructor pilot, Dale won many awards for being the best instructor pilot and was someone every student respected and enjoyed flying with. Dale Shillington was killed in a military aviation training accident on July 21, 2016. 

Description: The scholarship was established by Allen Moore in memory of Dale Shillington, Free State class of 2009. 
Number of Scholarships: 1
Award Amount: $2,000
Criteria:  Minimum GPA of 2.5, involvement in school activities with formal or informal leadership roles, involvement in community activities, school athletics, plans to attend any 4-year college/university and/or planning to serve our country.
Application Form: FSHS General Application

Erin Dayton Memorial Scholarship:

John Bork, an attorney who prosecuted public officials and murder cases, was also an avid wrestling dad to his three sons. Two wrestled at LHS and the third wrestled at Free State. graduating in 2022. John thought that wrestling taught great life lessons adn skills as evidenced by his youngest son’s receiving a Division 1 wrestling scholarship. John hoped that this scholarship, given in his memory, would give a graduating FSHS wrestler a bit of help as that student pursues whatever education avenue that comes next.

Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, plan to attend a two-year college, junior college, vocational and/or technical school and demonstrate a financial need.  The award will be selected by the staff at the Lawrence College and Career Center.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS / FSHS  General Application

Future Cities Silver & Blue Scholarship

Applicants must have participated in Future Cities for any USD497 team and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.  Applicants must be involved in school activities and submit a 250 word essay.  This scholarship can be used at any post-secondary education institution. 

Essay question: Please explain the most valuable lesson you learned by participating in the Future Cities program and how that has impacted your life.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Jan Green Memorial Scholarship:

Description: This scholarship was started in memory of Jan, a Lawrence school district educator for 26 years. Applicant must be involved in school and community activities. Applicant must intend to pursue a degree in education at a 4-year college or university and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicant must demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $750

Criteria: Merit and Need

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Jason Alldredge Memorial Scholarship:

Description: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to continue education in Automotive Technology at a 9 month, 2 years, or 4-year school/program.  Applicants must demonstrate a strong passion for this type of work have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be involved in school and community activities.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Criteria: Automotive Technology

Application Form: LFSHS General Application

Application Form: LHS /FSHS General Application

Karen Dale Lyerla Memorial Scholarship:

Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue a degree in the field of education. Special preference will be given to those interested in Special Education. Applicants must plan to attend a 2-year or 4-year college/university.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application