1. 2019 Overview Presentation for 9th graders

2. College Savings Account/Match – 9th graders
Up to 500 9th graders will be selected to have a 529 college savings account opened for them with a $50 deposit
At least 50 of those students will be selected for the College Savings Match and Incentives program:
Students can earn up to $7,000
4:1 match on college savings, not to exceed $5,000
Additionally, up to $2,000 available to students who achieve college-ready milestones during high school
Match and incentive funds paid directly to the college

3. Who can apply for the College Savings Account/Match program?
Current 9th grader
Be home-schooled or attend a public, charter, or private high school in six-county service area:
Kansas—Wyandotte and Johnson
Missouri—Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte
A U.S. citizen or resident alien with a verified permanent U.S. address and valid Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number
Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA in first semester of 9th grade
Low- and modest-income—expected family contribution of ≤ 12,000 (on FAFSA4caster calculation)

4. What is a 529 College Savings Account?
An investment account that is used for savings for college
KC Scholars works with the Missouri MOST and Kansas Learning Quest programs
Once selected as a KC Scholar, the KC Scholar and their designated account owner will receive information about and be required to attend a mandatory orientation session scheduled in June 2019.
529 college savings account will be opened at the orientation.
-investment savings plan specifically for college
-MOST 529 plan in Missouri and the Learning Quest plan in Kansas

5. Advising Support – During High School
Full-time college advisers:
Advise students in the high school (office located in the high school) or
Advise students both virtually and in-person (office located at KC Scholars offices)
Assist students (and families):
Navigate the process of applying for admission and financial aid
Work with students to find their best-fit college/university

7. What can you do after January 1?
What can you do NOW?
Complete the FAFSA4caster to see if you are eligible to apply based on income (will need 2017 income and asset information for household)
Identify recommenders. Recommenders will complete an online form after application opens in January and once the student submits the requests to them via the KC Scholars scholarship portal. Letters are not accepted.
Practice your writing skills. KC Scholars requires that you complete two essays.
Register for an account and complete eligibility check at kcscholars.org
If eligible, start on your task list (application, recommender request, essays, transcript, and participation agreement)
Identify a recommender (teacher or counselor). Recommender will complete an online form once you submit your requests to them via the KC Scholars scholarship portal. Letters are not accepted.
Start your essays and have someone review them! KC Scholars requires that you complete two essays.
Request an unofficial transcript – must include first semester of 9th grade
What can you do after January 1?

8. Mark Your Calendars!
January 1, Applications open at kcscholars.org
March 1, Application deadline at 12 midnight
May Awards announced