Kansas Promise Scholarship Helps GCCC Students Achieve Career Goals Without the Debt
[Garden City, KS] May 15, 2025 -- Two recent Garden City Community College (GCCC) graduates are proving that a high-quality education doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, thanks to the Kansas Promise Scholarship.
The Kansas Promise Scholarship is a state-funded, last-dollar program that covers tuition, fees, books, and program-related costs for eligible Kansas residents enrolled in high-demand programs. Designed to eliminate financial barriers and build the Kansas workforce, the scholarship makes college more accessible for students across the state.
Trinity Pierce, a 23-year-old Nursing graduate from Dighton, Kansas, called the scholarship life-changing. “As a full-time student, it's hard enough to balance school and work,” she said. “The Kansas Promise Scholarship has allowed me to attend college without the added financial stress.”
Pierce recently completed her Associate in Applied Science degree and plans to apply for an OB Nurse position at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City. “GCCC has prepared me to be a nurse by teaching me critical thinking skills and how to contribute to my community,” she added. “I recommend the Kansas Promise Scholarship to anyone who qualifies. It’s such a huge help, you won’t regret it.”
Kayla Harris, a 32-year-old graduate from Hugoton, Kansas, also benefited from the scholarship while earning her Associate in Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Technician Technology/Paramedic. “This scholarship gave me the chance to complete the paramedic program in a reasonable timeframe without pulling money away from caring for my family,” Harris said.
Now preparing to join Ford County EMS as a Paramedic/Firefighter, Harris shared how the scholarship helped manage the costs of college. “My paycheck from my full-time job was able to go toward fuel, food, and lodging during clinicals, since the Kansas Promise Scholarship helped me afford the hardships that come with college.”
To qualify for the Kansas Promise Scholarship, students must be U.S. citizens and
Kansas residents. They must either have graduated from a Kansas high school (or equivalent)
within the past 12 months, or have lived in Kansas for the past three consecutive
years, or be the dependent of a military servicemember stationed out-of-state who
recently graduated from an out-of-state high school, or have been in custody of the
Kansas Department for Children and Families during high school.
Additionally, students must complete the FAFSA, meet certain income requirements, and enroll in one of GCCC’s approved programs, such as healthcare, information technology, education, and skilled trades. In exchange, recipients commit to living and working in Kansas for two years after graduation.
GCCC President Dr. Ryan Ruda praised the scholarship’s impact. “The Kansas Promise Scholarship is a powerful investment in our students and our state,” said Ruda. “It opens doors for individuals to pursue higher education and supports the development of a skilled Kansas workforce.”
Since its inception, the Kansas Promise Scholarship has helped thousands of students statewide, including dozens at GCCC. For many, it offers more than financial relief, it provides a pathway to a promising future.
For more information about the Kansas Promise Scholarship and how to apply at Garden City Community College, visit our website or contact the GCCC Financial Aid office by calling 620-276-0519 or emailing finaid@gcccks.edu.
About the Kansas Promise Scholarship
The Kansas Promise is a "last dollar" scholarship that covers tuition, fees, books, and other program-related costs not paid for by other scholarships or grants. It's available to eligible Kansas students in high-demand programs. In exchange, the student agrees to live and work in Kansas for two years after completing their program of study.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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