Hansen Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Dane G. Hansen Educational Scholarships

Description
**Program overview**
The Hansen Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship program, administered by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, supports Northwest Kansas students pursuing four‑year degrees at accredited Kansas institutions. Seven Leaders of Tomorrow awards are available; each provides a $10,000 first‑year stipend and may be renewed for up to three additional years if renewal criteria are met. The program emphasizes leadership, moral character, community engagement and written/verbal proficiency as part of the selection process.

Key takeaways
- Seven Hansen Leaders of Tomorrow scholarships are awarded.
- $10,000 awarded in year one; renewable for up to three more years.
- Emphasis on leadership, character, community service and communication skills.
- Recipients must attend an accredited, on‑campus, four‑year Kansas college or university.

History of the Award/Foundation
**Founding and mission**
The Dane G. Hansen Foundation was created in 1965 from an estate gift by Dane G. Hansen, an entrepreneur with interests in retail, lumber, construction and oil. The foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life across the 26 counties comprising Northwest Kansas, reflecting Hansen’s lifelong attachment to the region. Scholarship programs are a core part of the foundation’s philanthropic work in support of local youth and communities.

Key takeaways
- Foundation established in 1965 from Dane G. Hansen’s estate.
- Hansen had diverse business interests over his life.
- Mission targets quality of life improvements in Northwest Kansas.
- Scholarships support regional students and communities.

Award Value and Renewal Conditions
**Funding and renewal requirements**
Each Hansen Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship provides $10,000 in the first year. Awards are renewable for three additional years contingent on academic progress and continued alignment with the foundation’s guiding principles. Annual renewal requires a college GPA of at least 3.00, submission of transcripts for review, and a progress statement describing advancement toward educational goals.

Key takeaways
- $10,000 awarded in year one per recipient.
- Renewable up to three additional years (total up to four years).
- Renewal criteria: 3.00+ college GPA, annual transcript review and progress update.
- Renewal decisions are contingent on continuing to meet the foundation’s standards.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Eligible applicants are full‑time high school seniors graduating in the current academic year from accredited public, private, registered independent, or home schools located within the foundation’s 26‑county Northwest Kansas service area. Recipients must enroll full‑time, on campus, at an accredited four‑year Kansas college or university; students planning to attend out‑of‑state institutions should not apply. In addition to residency and enrollment requirements, certain Hansen scholarships require minimum academic thresholds: to take the Hansen Academic Scholarship Test (for Hansen Leaders of Tomorrow, Hansen Scholar, and Hansen Student awards) a student must have an ACT composite score of 23 or higher on a single test and an unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.50 (superscores are not accepted).

Key takeaways
- Applicants must be current‑year graduating seniors from one of 26 Northwest Kansas counties.
- Recipients must attend an accredited, on‑campus, four‑year Kansas college/university.
- Out‑of‑state college attendance disqualifies applicants.
- Academic threshold for the Hansen Academic Scholarship Test: ACT ≥ 23 (single test) and unweighted GPA ≥ 3.50.
- Superscoring for ACT is not accepted.

Application Timeline and Process
**Registration and testing deadlines**
High school principals or counselors must submit a list of students planning to take the qualifying Hansen test to the Hansen Foundation office prior to September 4, 2026. Schools will receive test time, date and location details from the foundation and should communicate those to students. Students who intend to pursue Hansen Leaders of Tomorrow, Hansen Scholar or Hansen Student awards must register with their school counselor or principal before taking the qualifying test; no separate formal application is required to register.

Key takeaways
- Counselors/principals submit candidate lists to Hansen Foundation by Sept 4, 2026.
- Foundation provides test logistics to schools; schools notify students.
- Registration for test must go through your school counselor or principal.
- No separate formal application is required to register for the qualifying test.

Required Documents and References
**Materials to bring and submit**
On the day of testing students must submit an official transcript (with GPA and class rank circled), proof of the required ACT score (23 or higher where applicable), and a resume that lists current high school classes, any college credits earned or in progress, work experience, and extracurricular/community activities. Students selected for interview will receive instructions to have three reference questionnaires submitted; applicants without three references will not be considered for scholarship interviews.

Key takeaways
- Test‑day submissions: official transcript (GPA & rank circled), ACT score proof, and a detailed resume.
- Resume should include current courses, earned/expected college credits, work and activities.
- Interviewed candidates must provide three completed reference questionnaires.
- Applicants lacking three references will not be considered.

Selection Process
**How recipients are chosen**
Initial screening verifies eligibility and required academic thresholds. The Scholarship Committee evaluates candidates for leadership, moral character, diligence in chosen tasks, community and school involvement (including church or Scouting activities), and written/verbal proficiency. Final awards are made by the Scholarship Committee after review of test results, submitted materials and, when applicable, interview performance and references.

Key takeaways
- Eligibility and academic thresholds are verified first.
- Emphasis placed on leadership, moral integrity, diligence and communication skills.
- Committee reviews test results, materials, interviews and references to make final selections.
- Final selection rests with the Hansen Scholarship Committee.

Payment and Tax Information
**Disbursement and tax considerations**
Scholarship funds are paid directly to the recipient’s college or university after the Hansen Foundation receives certification of full‑time enrollment. Payments are to be used for the recipient’s educational expenses; how funds are drawn is managed through the administering agency. Scholarship amounts used for tuition, fees, books and other direct educational expenses are generally tax‑free for degree candidates; amounts used for room and board or other non‑direct expenses may be taxable. Recipients are responsible for maintaining records of scholarship receipts and expenses and for filing any required income tax returns.

Key takeaways
- Payments sent to the college upon certification of full‑time enrollment.
- Funds must be used for the honoree’s educational purposes.
- Tuition, fees and books are typically tax‑free; room and board may be taxable.
- Recipients are responsible for recordkeeping and tax filing as required.