Access to Academic Opportunity Grant

Scholarship: Fort Hays State University - Access to Academic Opportunity Grant


Description: This grant exists to provide students who have demonstrated leadership, and who otherwise might not have access to a quality education, an opportunity to reach their fullest academic and leadership potential. Each recipient will be carefully selected by a committee and expected to fulfill each requirement upon acceptance for the AAOG.

A grant in the amount of $4,000 or $2,000 is intended to pay tuition and fees, books, living expenses, etc. It will be awarded in increments up to $2,000 or $1,000 in the fall semester and $2,000 or $1,000 in the spring semester.

Selection Criteria:

  • Recipients must be classified as a new, on-campus first-time freshman or transfer student.

  • Factors to be considered in the award of the AAOG include, but are not limited to the following: academic achievement in high school or other post-secondary academic institutions; leadership and academic potential; personal and family background; and the overall ability of the applicant to contribute to a diverse, productive and qualified student body at Fort Hays State University.

  • For purposes of these factors, diversity is not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, or national origin, but also includes high school attended, the ability of the applicant to achieve his or her academic and leadership potential without the AAOG, whether or not the applicant is first generation attendee at an institution offering post-secondary education and other similar circumstances.

  • Applicants are required, if eligible, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

  • The student must enroll and complete a minimum of 12 on-campus, undergraduate hours in each fall and spring semester.

  • All new recipients will be required to participate in a mentorship program throughout the fall and spring semesters. Each student will have an arranged faculty or peer mentor.

  • The recipient will become actively involved in at least one student organization on campus.

  • The recipient will be required to complete 10 hours of community service. 2 hours should be done through recruitment activities with the admissions office staff and 8 hours should be done through clubs/organizations.

Return the Application to:

Admissions Office

211 Picken Hall

Fort Hays State University 701 Park St.

Hays, KS 67601-4099 fax (785) 628-4187


Application Deadline: February 15th


Website to Apply: