The Jones Foundation, named after Walter S. and Evan C. Jones, provides six qualified, eligible applicants a full ride to pursue a career in education or nursing.

Up to six high school seniors, one nursing student and one education student from each of the three counties served by the Jones Foundation (Lyon, Coffey, Osage), will be awarded the Jones Premier Nursing + Education Scholarship for 2025-2026.

This prestigious scholarship covers the recipient’s full cost of attendance including tuition, fees, room, board, books, etc., after any other scholarships or grants are applied. Total financial aid plus stackable scholarships shall not exceed the total cost of attendance.

Recipients will also receive automatic acceptance to ESU’s Honors College.

Eligible students must have either a weighted high school GPA of 3.7 or higher or an ACT Score of 28 or higher, and complete two required essays:

1. Why have you chosen to enter the teaching or Nursing profession?
2. How will the Jones Foundation’s investment in your education help improve lives in your community (Coffey, Lyon, or Osage county)?

A selection committee of ESU faculty, staff and/or volunteers will select finalists and conduct interviews to determine each year’s winners.

The application for fall 2025 is open. Visit the ESU Scholarship Portal and follow the directions to apply.

As long as you are pursuing a nursing or education degree and earning a 3.5 GPA or higher, awardees will continue to receive funding for a total of eight semesters.

Contact ESU Financial Aid, Scholarships + Veterans Services

Plumb Hall 103
1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801
620-341-5453
esuscholarships@emporia.edu