Zane Wagner, a senior at BJSHS, recently received a full-ride scholarship from the Rudd Foundation. The Rudd Foundation is an organization that aims to provide a leveled playing field for first-generation college students and places a major focus on mentorship and giving back to communities.

To apply for the scholarship, one must be Pell-grant eligible, have a 3.0 or higher GPA, and plan to attend either Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, or Emporia State University. This scholarship is unique because it’s a full-ride scholarship that applies for four full years. It covers tuition, books, housing, and food; basically, everything besides personal items. There’s also an expectation to stay involved within the Foundation and participate in school activities. Out of 700 applicants statewide, only 50 were selected.

As part of his application, Wagner wrote two, 500-750-word essays, one of which was an autobiographic story, and the other was a time he faced and overcame adversity. The Rudd Scholarship will allow Wagner to attend FHSU for four years rather than his initial plan of two years.

“I’ll be able to pursue specialization in MRI and CT within the radiology program, rather than just becoming a rad tech,” he stated.