Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is collaborating with the Kansas City-based Heart of America Patriot Foundation (HOAPF) for a matched scholarship to benefit children of U.S. Armed Forces veterans meeting the Veterans Administration “Chapter 35” criteria.
A Heart of America Patriot Foundation gift of $25,000 is being matched with $25,000 from CUKC. Scholarship amounts will be disbursed to qualifying students each year, and the scholarships are renewable. Any new or returning CUKC student who meets the criteria will be eligible for an award.
Chapter 35 designation refers to a dependent of a veteran who has been identified as 100% disabled, died during service, categorized as missing in action or captured in the line of duty, or held by a hostile force. Chapter 35 eligibility can also apply to dependents of service members in a hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability.
“We are grateful for the Heart of America Patriot Foundation (or HOAPF) gift and excited to match their generosity, resulting in this $50,000 for scholarships,” Jessica Ramirez, vice president of advancement, said. “This additional scholarship opportunity is part of our ongoing commitment to honor those who have served our country in the Armed Forces. It offers children and spouses the educational opportunity to attend school with little to no debt.”
Ramirez said incoming and current CUKC students who qualify for the Chapter 35 designation, and perhaps other financial aid programs, should contact CUKC financial aid staff at financialaid@cleveland.edu or (913) 234-0736.
The Heart of America Patriot Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, has a mission of “A nation where dependents of deceased or 100% disabled veterans can attain a debt-free college education.” In 2018, the Foundation began awarding grants to educational institutions willing to provide matching funds.
