(TOPEKA) - Today, Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, CPA, announced the first-ever partnership between the Kansas 529 education savings program, Learning Quest, and Washburn University. The University will offer $1,000 scholarships to students with Learning Quest accounts who meet certain criteria. Additionally, Washburn will offer in-state tuition rates to out-of-state students with Learning Quest accounts.
"I am thrilled with this partnership and thank President Farley and the Washburn Board of Regents," Treasurer Jenkins said. "It will encourage enrollment at Washburn and presents one more benefit to Learning Quest account owners."
To be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship, Kansas residents must have an ACT score of 24 or a SAT score of 1100, and a 3.5 high school GPA. Non-resident students having Learning Quest accounts, meeting the same scholastic criteria, will be granted in-state tuition rates.
"This benefit will help our talented youth stay in Kansas for their college experience," Jenkins said.
The partnership was approved by the Washburn University Board of Regents at their January 14 meeting and will be in place for the 2005 fall semester. Treasurer Jenkins hopes to develop similar partnerships with other post-secondary schools in Kansas.
"Students and families are the beneficiaries of this program," Jenkins said. "We hope to expand it by partnering with additional Kansas colleges and universities to assist more students."
"The university is also pleased to have entered the partnership," said Jerry B. Farley, Washburn president. "The Kansas 529 education savings program provides future students with enhanced opportunities, which complements the mission set forth by Washburn."
Learning Quest is a 529-education savings program established by the State of Kansas, and administered by the State Treasurer's office. Additional benefits beginning in 2005 include lower cost index portfolios that complement the program's current actively managed investment options.
Washburn offers more than 190 programs leading to certification, associate, bachelor, master's and juris doctor degrees through the College of Arts and Sciences and the schools of Applied Studies, Business, Law and Nursing. The 140-year old school logged a record enrollment of 7,350 during the fall 2004 semester.
Information about Learning Quest is available by calling 1-800-579-2203 or by visiting learningquest.com. For more information about the Kansas 529 program or any of the programs offered by Treasurer Jenkins, please visit www.kansasstatetreasurer.com.
Jenkins, a former State Representative and Senator from Topeka, was elected Treasurer on Nov. 5, 2002. She is a Certified Public Accountant and former small business owner. Since being sworn into office in January 2003, Jenkins has expanded investment options in Learning Quest, initiated multiple financial literacy programs, and eliminated the reliance on state general fund dollars to operate the office.
