TOPEKA -Spirit AeroSystems joined the Kansas Board of Regents today to announce the company’s plans to provide more than $570,000 of scholarship support for students enrolling in engineering and business programs at Wichita State University, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University. In addition, one scholarship will be earmarked for a student coming out of the Upward Bound Math Science program at Wichita State University.
Join @ksregents now in the @WichitaState Harvest Room for a special announcement from @SpiritAero #engineering pic.twitter.com/ObccrsLjP4
— KS Board of Regents (@ksregents) November 18, 2015
The Spirit Scholars Program is targeted at individuals interested in a career in engineering and business. Each scholarship will provide $8,000 annually to cover tuition, fees, books and supplies, and is renewable for up to four years. The scholarships will first be awarded this spring for students in the 2016-2017 freshman class.
“At Spirit AeroSystems, having a ready, reliable and trained workforce is a critical component of our long-term success. We are a high-tech company where high-tech skills are a requirement,” said Spirit AeroSystems President & CEO, Larry Lawson. “We are pleased to partner with these Kansas engineering and business schools to help build a pipeline of future aerospace employees for Spirit.”
Spirit Scholars will have ongoing engagement with Spirit throughout their university experience, including a guaranteed Spirit internship interview after the completion of their sophomore year.
“Today we’re excited to celebrate Spirit AeroSystems and their invaluable support for the next generation of Kansas engineers and business leaders,” stated Regent Shane Bangerter, Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. “In 2012, the Kansas legislature began providing direct support to the Wichita State University, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University to ensure engineering industry partners find the new talent, designs and techniques needed to fuel economic growth and business success in Kansas – today we see Spirit’s contribution to that investment.”
In all, Spirit is funding 18 scholarships across three universities. There are 12 scholarships available at Wichita State University and three each at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Students interested in applying for the Spirit Scholars Program can find out more online through each university’s listings of available scholarships. The deadline for application is March 1 of 2016.