An organization based out of Hays is taking steps to recognize outstanding students and teachers. Kansas Next Step (KNS), which was founded in 2003, has been helping individuals overcome obstacles to attain unique and exciting educations opportunities. Administrator Jen Johnson told Hays Post that usually students are the ones applying for assistance, and KNS evaluates those applications on a case by case basis.
“So, if a kid wants to go to high plains band camp but for some reason a scholarship isn’t available or, within their family they don’t have funding, they are able to apply for financial assistance through Kansas Next Step to be able to do those things.
KNS has helped send students of varying ages to camps, seminars, and tours over the years. Johnson said that college students have applied as well, and in the past the group has worked with companies to help students in an internship program earn livable wages instead of working for minimal or no pay.
Now, the group is doing more to give back to the community by asking for nominations from students and teachers alike for the KNS STAR Student & Teacher of the Month Program. Each month, KNS will look over nominations and honor a student and teacher each month.
Johnson says the program is designed to recognize outstanding students and teachers in Hays and the surrounding area. She said that the KNS Board intentionally left off location restrictions for nominations because they didn’t want to make this an honor only for Hays.
“If you have a real outstanding student, they may be from Russell, Wilson, Larned or from somewhere else. If they submit an application and it truly is outstanding then there’s a possibility that they could be chosen.”
There are three categories:
- Kindergarten – 8th grade Student of the Month, $100 cash prize
- 9th – 12th grade Student of the Month, $100 cash prize
- Teacher of the Month, $500 cash prize
Money for these prizes and the support KNS offers students from across the state comes from various donors as well as a 2 day long seminar the group holds each year.
Anyone wishing to submit a nomination or apply for assistance can visit their website at www.kansasnextstep.org