Pittsburg State University, a comprehensive regional university, provides undergraduate and graduate programs and services to the people of southeast Kansas, but also to others who seek the benefits offered. This is accomplished by the unique combination of academic programs in the four colleges of the University Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Technology. The University is equally committed to fulfilling its statewide mission in technology and economic development by facilitating partnerships with secondary and postsecondary educational institutions, businesses and industries.

The University supports an organizational and interpersonal structure that actively encourages individuals to achieve their potential. The University provides programs and services that create opportunities for students and other individuals to develop intellectually, ethically, aesthetically, emotionally, socially and physically. The University provides intellectual leadership and multicultural experiences that contribute to the preservation of the heritage of the region and the enhancement of its inhabitants. Finally, the University recognizes the world as interdependent and, thus, seeks to promote a broad and interactive international perspective.

The University fulfills the traditional academic missions of teaching, scholarship and service. Excellence in teaching is the primary focus of the University. The University recognizes that active scholarship and creativity add vitality to teaching, expand and refine the knowledge base and are instrumental to the professional development of the faculty and staff. Programs of professional and community service promote and strengthen University endeavors. Pittsburg State University fosters a campus culture of assessment and accountability that supports strategic planning and the continuous improvement of its academic programs and administrative processes. 

The mission of Kansas State University is to foster excellent teaching, research, and service that develop a highly skilled and educated citizenry necessary to advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation, and the international community. The university embraces diversity, encourages engagement and is committed to the discovery of knowledge, the education of undergraduate and graduate students, and improvement in the quality of life and standard of living of those we serve.

Kansas State University is a comprehensive, research, land-grant institution serving students and the people of Kansas, the nation, and the world. Since its founding in 1863, the University has evolved into a modern institution of higher education, committed to quality programs, and responsive to a rapidly changing world and the aspirations of an increasingly diverse society. Together with other major comprehensive universities, K-State shares responsibilities for developing human potential, expanding knowledge, enriching cultural expression, and extending its expertise to individuals, business, education and government. These responsibilities are addressed through an array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, research and creative activities, and outreach and public service programs. In addition, its land-grant mandate, based on federal and state legislation, establishes a focus to its instructional, research, and extension activities which is unique among the Regents’ institutions.

Through quality teaching, the University is committed to provide all students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills characteristic of an educated person. It is also pledged to prepare students for successful employment or advanced studies through a variety of disciplinary and professional degree programs. To meet these intentions, the institution dedicates itself to providing academic and extracurricular learning experiences which promote and value both excellence and cultural diversity. K-State prepares its students to be informed, productive, and responsible citizens who actively participate in advancing cultural, educational, economic, scientific, and socio-political undertakings.

Research and other creative endeavors comprise an essential component of K-State's mission. All faculty members contribute to the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge, applications, and products. These efforts, supported by public and private resources, are conducted in an atmosphere of open inquiry and academic freedom. Basic to the pursuit of this mission is the University's commitment to broad-based programs in graduate education at both the master's and doctoral levels.

Faculty, staff, and administrators share their expertise through service to the university and disciplinary organizations, via outreach, engagement, and extension-related activities. Their work provides support to numerous projects related to the goals, missions, or aspirations of the departments, colleges of the university, and to the members of the professional community. Through outreach and engagement initiatives, partnerships are established with various stakeholders to translate knowledge and basic research into applications that address public needs. These service activities are integrally related to the land-grant mission.

Extension is governed by Kansas statutes that empower elected county councils and district governing boards with authority and responsibility to assess needs and conduct a local educational program in cooperation with Kansas State University and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A network of local extension professionals and volunteers link Kansas State University faculty, the National Cooperative Extension System to the USDA which produces high-quality educational programs. 

The Kansas Teacher Education Competitive Grant Program (KTECGP) was established through Kansas House Bill 2185 (2007) to increase the number of licensed teachers in hard-to-fill disciplines and/or underserved geographic areas of the state.

The Kansas Board of Regents administers this grant in which the six state universities and Washburn University are eligible to apply for funds.  Institutions may use grant funds to create a new teacher education program or expand an existing program and must match grant funds on the basis of $1 from the institution to every $2 received from the grant.  In the 2021 round, applicants were asked to create this program in partnership with at least one Kansas community college to develop new transfer pathways for future educators.   

This initiative, which provides resources to institutions, is contingent upon funds available in the Teacher Service Scholarship Program, which provides financial support for students pursuing teaching careers in Kansas.  The chart below outlines the projects and funds awarded.

Grant programs will be reviewed each January and funds are reallocated based on each program's success & areas of growth.

New for 2023-2024 grant cycle: Due to increased funds, All public universities were granted funds for marketing Teacher Education programs. The RFP was reopened; KU and WSU submitted a proposal to enter the grant program. Awards are described and indicated in the chart above.

Grant Reviewers:

Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship

This service obligation scholarship program provides financial assistance to both students pursuing bachelor's or master's degree programs and currently licensed teachers pursuing endorsement in hard-to-fill disciplines or master's degrees in hard-to-fill disciplines or either group planning to teach (K-12) in an under-served geographic area in Kansas. Access more information and application details. Earn up to $5,830 per year!

Questions about the Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship may be directed to:

Jamie Whitmore
Student Financial Aid Specialist
785.430.4256
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title II

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) TITLE II: Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals and Other School Leaders (formerly Improving Teacher Quality Grant Program)

All Title II funds are awarded to each state plan which, in Kansas, is through the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE).