Hixson Opportunity Award

For many of the great successes of the world, the background they came from was their great challenge. I’m trying to find those people. Those who may not have the highest grade point or a perfect family background, but who can be successful. These are the ones who will lend the helping hands in the future.

- Christina Hixson

The Hixson Opportunity Award is for Kansas students who would otherwise not be able to attend the University of Kansas. This renewable award is available to eligible freshmen who will enroll for the upcoming fall 2026 semester, and it can be combined with other renewable KU scholarships. Ten students will be selected for this award each year. The scholarship amount is $6,000 per year and is renewable for 4 years.

To be eligible, you must

  • Have faced significant personal challenges as well as financial hardship
  • Be a Kansas resident
  • Be a current high school senior enrolling at KU in the upcoming fall 2026 semester
  • Be admitted to the University of Kansas
  • Show financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Priority consideration will be given to first-generation college students (students whose parents did not earn a four-year college degree)

Award
$6,000.00
Deadline
02/01/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Have either of your parents/guardians completed a four-year degree program?
  2. If yes, please elaborate (biological, adoptive or step-parent or legal guardian):
  3. Please provide a personal statement. Your personal statement should be specific and MUST address each of the following: a. the significant personal challenges and financial hardship you have faced, b. how you are handling these challenges, c. your potential to succeed at the University of Kansas and contribute to its community, d. and your status as a first-generation student, if applicable.
  4. Please provide a name and email address for a letter of recommendation from your guidance counselor, a teacher, a community leader, or another individual who knows you well. (Family members may not be a reference.) Choose someone who knows your personal story well. The selection committee cares greatly about the content of the letter, more than the title or position of your reference.