External Scholarships

Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Assistance Programs

The following external scholarships, grants and financial assistance programs are not affiliated with Park University.

While many of our students have been awarded these programs, our Financial Aid office does not determine eligibility and is not involved in the award process.

Students should use their own discretion when deciding whether to apply.

Department of Missouri Higher Education Grants & Scholarships

Access Missouri Financial Assistance

Submit your FAFSA each year by the deadline, there is not a state Access Missouri application to complete. The Missouri Department of Higher Education will receive Missouri Residents FAFSA information directly from the federal government. New for 2024-2025, eligibility will be determined by the students “Student Aid Index” (SAI) number, provided on the students Student Aid Report (SAR), after completing the FAFSA. The priority deadline is February 1 of each year.

Bright Flight Program

Must be a high school senior to apply. Must be full-time enrolled and a Missouri resident and rank in the top 3% on ACT or SAT.

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a new financial aid program that addresses workforce needs by encouraging adults to pursue a certificate, degree or industry recognized credential in an area designed as high need.

View a list of Park Programs that qualify:

https://dhewd.mo.gov/initiatives/documents/Park.pdf

The application will be available soon at:

https://dhewd.mo.gov/initiatives/fasttrackgrant_for_students.php

Student Eligibility Requirements for Fast Track:

  • Submit a complete Fast Track application with the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development.
  • Be at least 25 years old or not have been enrolled in an education program at any level within the past two years.
  • Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution in a program designated as eligible by the Coordinating Board. o Short-term (less than 300 clock hours) and noncredit programs meet this by definition.
  • Complete the FAFSA.
  • Apply for and accept all governmental financial aid, which excludes work-study and any loans, for which he or she is eligible.
  • Have an Adjusted Gross Income, as reported on the FAFSA, of no more than $80,000 for married individuals filing federal income taxes jointly or $40,000 if filing in any other status.
  • Be a Missouri resident and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Not have circumstances preventing receipt of federal Title IV student financial aid, such as being in default on a federal loan or having a criminal record preventing receipt of federal Title IV student financial aid.

Kid’s Chance Scholarship Program

This scholarship is available to children of workers who were seriously injured or died in a work-related accident covered and compensated by workers’ compensation. A serious injury is one that led to a paid settlement or judicial award and is verified with information from the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. To apply, have your FAFSA submitted each year by April 1; and the Kid’s Chance application or renewal application each year by May 15th, if starting in the fall or October 30th, if starting in the spring. To complete the Kid’s Chance application, use the link below.

https://www.mokidschance.org/scholarships

Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program

This is a scholarship designed to assist academically talented minority and underrepresented individuals pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an environmental course of study that will lead to employment in a field that is clearly environmentally related.
Deadline is June 1st for the next academic year. To apply click the link below.

https://dhewd.mo.gov/documents/555-0204.pdf

Public Service Officer Survivor Grant

This program provides tuition assistance to certain public employees and their families if the employee is killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty.
To learn more and see if you are eligible, visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education website.

https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants/publicserviceofficer.php

Veterans Educational Programs

If you have served in active or reserve duty in the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard) and were discharged or separated under a condition other than a dishonorable discharge, you may be eligible for educational assistance benefits.

You may already be aware that you or your surviving family members could be eligible to receive educational assistance benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’, however, there are some additional benefits you may be eligible to receive. Visit the Department of Missouri Higher Education to learn more.

https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/veteransed.php

 

For additional resources on Planning and Paying for College visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education website.

https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/otherprograms.php

Missouri Scholarship Resources - Not State Funded

The Director’s Choice Emergency Grant is to keep Missouri students facing an urgent financial situation to stay in school and persisting to degree completion.

The application is available at the Financial Aid office and will be signed off on by the Director of Student Financial Aid.

This application is open year-round.  For information, please email us at finaid@park.edu or call 816-584-6290.

The Missouri Family Education Loan Program (MOFELP) is an interest-free, fee-free loan to help fill the financial aid gap for Missouri students after all other financial aid is applied.

The application is initiated by the student and the school’s Financial Aid office certifies the application and submits it to MSLF.

The application is open year-round.

My Scholarship Central

Free Scholarship Application to apply for additional scholarships and/or interest-free student loans. The application connects students to funds offered by vetted organizations in Missouri.

My Scholarship Central makes it easy for students to access and apply for hundreds of scholarships in one place.

The following are examples of scholarships awarded by My Scholarship Central, which are detailed below:

  • Access Extra Scholarship
  • Finish Line Degree Completion Grant
  • Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarships

Apply Today:

https://myscholarshipcentral.org/apply/

The Access EXTRA Scholarship is for incoming Freshmen who are Access Missouri eligible and have a 3.5 high school GPA through 7 semesters. Scholarship application with no essays.

Application is open February 1 – May 31 for the 2023-2024 academic year.

https://myscholarshipcentral.org/apply/

The Finish Line Degree Completion Grant is for Missouri students who have stopped out due to a back balance and want to re-enroll. This award assists the student with getting their balance current, so they can continue their education.

The application must be endorsed by the school’s Financial Aid office, the student can then complete the application at https://myscholarshipcentral.org/apply/.

This application is open year-round.

The Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship is open for campus leaders to apply. This scholarship is for emerging campus leaders who are outstanding students who have the need for additional resources for higher education.

The scholarship supports students who demonstrate leadership, character and academic performance.

The application will be available January 1 – May 31 for the 2023-2024 academic year.

https://myscholarshipcentral.org/apply/

Other Missouri Scholarships

KC Scholars is creating the life-changing opportunity for thousands of individuals and is positively transforming the region’s workforce and economy.

KC Scholars provides the opportunity for college for those who likely would not otherwise attend or complete by serving a 6-county area in the Kansas City area region including Cass, Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Platte, and Wyandotte counties.

To apply, visit kcscholars.org/scholarships.

Seniors attending the Park Hill High School District who demonstrated academic ability and perseverance while completing H.S. course work. Contact P.H. School District Ed. Foundation.

One Class/One Semester
Offered by PeaceWorks in Kansas City. Criteria are as follows: Is a Peace Studies minor candidate with an overall 2.50 GPA; Willing to take part in a peace & justice project mutually agreed upon with P.W.; Has Financial Need as demonstrated by the FAFSA application and demonstrates a genuine interest in the peace and justice movement.

Students making application should request the Pastor, Clerk of Session or Director of Christian Ed. from their church to write a letter of recommendation for use in applying for the grant. Has Financial Need as demonstrated by the FAFSA application.

For an outstanding student involved in extra activities.

Military Services Education Assistance Programs

Each branch of the military offers education assistance programs for their service members and dependents. Here are some examples:

Veterans of Foreign Wars and Sport Clips – Help a Hero Scholarship
This scholarship provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. It’s just another way for us to say “thank you” to those who fought for our freedoms. Scholarships are awarded twice a year.

VFW Website

Veterans Affairs programs

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers programs that help cover the cost of tuition not only for service members and veterans, but also for their dependents, such as:

Air Force Aid Society

For Dependents of active members of the Air Force. Contact Air Force Aid Society at 800-429-9475.

Air Force Association Scholarship Program

https://www.afa.org/education/scholarships

Hope for the Warriors Scholarship Program

https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/transition/military-spouse-scholarships/

Mike and Gail Donley Spouse Scholarship

https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/62842-Air-Force-Association

Military Enlisted Spouses’ Club

For Military Dependents, contact the Enlisted Spouses Club at your military installation.

Military Family Scholarship

Dependent of Military Member and given only to students on military campuses. Only for students admitted in the last year.

Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) Military Spouse Scholarship Program

https://modernmilitary.org/portfolio-items/scholarship/

Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program

https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/scholarships/spouse/

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship program helps eligible military spouses pursue the training and nationally recognized certifications needed to secure in-demand, portable jobs in healthcare, business, information technology, and more.

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities MyCAA Scholarship Education and Training Plan Guidance

National Military Family Association

For military spouses, NMFA awards can be used for a variety of educational and employment pursuits. Scholarship funds on average are $1,000 and can be used towards degrees, certifications, licensure, clinical supervision for mental health licensure, CEUs, business expenses and more! Any spouse with a valid military ID is eligible. 

NMFA Website

NMCRS Education Assistance Program

http://www.nmcrs.org/pages/education-loans-and-scholarships

Navy-Marine Travers Scholarship

For Dependents of active or retired members of the Navy or Marine Corp. Contact Navy-Marine Corp. Relief Society. 703-696-4960.

Officers’ Spouses Club Scholarship

For Military Dependents, contact the Officers’ Spouses Club at your military installation.

Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship Program

https://pattillmanfoundation.org/apply-to-be-a-scholar/

Patriot Education Fund Scholarship Program

https://www.patrioteducationfund.org/

ThanksUSA Special Military Spouse Scholarships

https://www.thanksusa.org/scholarships.html

Veterans of Foreign Wars and Sport Clips – Help a Hero Scholarship

This scholarship provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. It’s just another way for us to say “thank you” to those who fought for our freedoms. Scholarships are awarded twice a year.

VFW Website

El Paso
FBSA Merit Scholarships:  https://thefbsa.org/scholarships

FE Warren AFB
FE Warren Spouses’ Club Scholarships: https://www.warrenspousesclub.org/scholarships

Fort Bliss
FBSA Merit Scholarships:  https://thefbsa.org/scholarships

Hanscom AFB
Hanscom Spouses’ Club Scholarships: https://hanscomsc.org/scholarship.html

Holloman AFB
Holloman Spouses’ Club:  hsoscholarships@gmail.com

Lackland AFB
Lackland Spouses Club Scholarships: https://lacklandsc.org/philanthropy/scholarships/

Malmstrom AFB
Malmstrom Spouses Club: scholarshipchairmsc@gmail.com

MCAS Cherry Point
Cherry Point Spouse Club:  https://cherrypointspouseclub.com/

Moody AFB
Moody Thrift Store Scholarship: moodyafbtsscholars@gmail.com

Mountain Home AFB
Billie J. Harvard Spouse Scholarship: http://www.mountainhomeosc.org/uploads/4/5/4/2/45425805/2017_spouse_scholarship.pdf

Wright-Patterson AFB
Officers’ Spouse’s Club (OSC):  http://wrightpattersonosc.org/

The AEV program supports the continued educational development of senior enlisted leaders to support the Navy our nation needs, according to Tom Smith, NETC AEV program manager.

The program provides the Navy’s chief, senior chief and master chief petty officers a platform to pursue higher education that makes them more effective leaders along with enhancing their technical competencies in our ever-changing operational environments.

Who is eligible?
Applicants must be top performing active-duty senior enlisted personnel (E-7 to E-9) who are transferring to, or currently on shore duty with sufficient time ashore to complete a baccalaureate or master’s degree program. Applicants on sea duty may apply provided they submit an education plan that shows the ability to complete the degree program as specified above.

How many quotas are available?
The AEV program has 10 quotas – five bachelor degrees and five master degrees – available for FY-22.

What Navy-relevant degrees are included in the AEV program?

Degrees considered for the baccalaureate program include:
• Strategic Foreign Languages
• Construction Management
• Emergency and Disaster Management
• Human Resources
• Paralegal, Leadership and Management
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Nursing
• Business Administration
• Electrical and Electronic Technology

Degrees considered for the master’s program include:
• Emergency and Disaster Management
• Human Resources
• Project Management
• Engineering and Technology
• Systems Analysis
• Information Technology
• Homeland Defense and Security
• Leadership and Management
• Business Administration
• Education and Training Management

Degree programs other than those listed above must be validated as a Navy-relevant degree by the NETC AEV program manager.

How much funding does the Navy provide?
Participants in the AEV Program will be provided funds for tuition, books, and related fees for completion of their advanced degrees within the following limits:

  • Bachelor’s degree: Funding limits are a maximum of $6,700 per fiscal year for up to 36 months from the date of signing a letter of acceptance, not to exceed $20,000 total program cost.
  • Master’s degree: Funding limits are a maximum of $20,000 per fiscal year for up to 24 months from the date of signing a letter of acceptance, not to exceed $40,000 total program cost.

When does the program begin?
Applicants should be available to commence their studies in the 2021 fall term (after Oct. 1, 2021).

Is there a service obligation?
Participants shall agree to remain on active duty for a period equal to three times the number of months of education completed or three years, whichever is less.

What is the submission deadline?
Deadline for applying for the FY-22 AEV program is May 24, 2021. Applications should be e-mailed to the program manager.

Where can I get additional information on the program?
Additional information about the AEV program is at:

https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/common-resources/education-voucher-programs.htm

or by contacting Thomas Smith, NETC N525, at (850) 452-7271/DSN 459-7271, or via e-mail: thomas.a.smith4@navy.mil.

Student Veterans of America and Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RMD) have partnered to provide two $10,000 scholarships to student veterans demonstrating a commitment to and passion for their chosen field of study, as well as demonstrated leadership and engagement within their community.

The Patriot Scholarship is offered specifically to eligible U.S. Army veterans, and is named after RMD’s Patriot Air and Missile Defense System.

Learn More

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.