FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2015
Spirit AeroSystems announces $576,000 scholarship program
Spirit Scholars Program to award 18 scholarships in Engineering and Business at WSU, KU and KSU
(Topeka, Kansas) - Spirit AeroSystems joined the Kansas Board of Regents today to announce the company’s plans to provide more than $570,000 of scholarship support for students enrolling in engineering and business programs at Wichita State University, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University. In addition, one scholarship will be earmarked for a student coming out of the Upward Bound Math Science program at Wichita State University.
The Spirit Scholars Program is targeted at individuals interested in a career in engineering and business. Each scholarship will provide $8,000 annually to cover tuition, fees, books and supplies, and is renewable for up to four years. The scholarships will first be awarded this spring for students in the 2016-2017 freshman class.
“At Spirit AeroSystems, having a ready, reliable and trained workforce is a critical component of our long-term success. We are a high-tech company where high-tech skills are a requirement,” said Spirit AeroSystems President & CEO, Larry Lawson. “We are pleased to partner with these Kansas engineering and business schools to help build a pipeline of future aerospace employees for Spirit.”
Spirit Scholars will have ongoing engagement with Spirit throughout their university experience, including a guaranteed Spirit internship interview after the completion of their sophomore year.
“Today we’re excited to celebrate Spirit AeroSystems and their invaluable support for the next generation of Kansas engineers and business leaders,” stated Regent Shane Bangerter, Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. “In 2012, the Kansas legislature began providing direct support to the Wichita State University, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University to ensure engineering industry partners find the new talent, designs and techniques needed to fuel economic growth and business success in Kansas – today we see Spirit’s contribution to that investment.”
In all, Spirit is funding 18 scholarships across three universities. There are 12 scholarships available at Wichita State University and three each at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Students interested in applying for the Spirit Scholars Program can find out more online through each university’s listings of available scholarships. The deadline for application is March 1 of 2016.
For more information, contact Breeze Richardson at (773) 255-7847 (cell) or
UPDATED 1/7/2016
Application information is available at the following links:
Wichita State University
wichita.edu/spiritaerosystems
University of Kansas
http://www.kuendowment.org/s/1312/endowment/index.aspx?sid=1312&gid=1&pgid=2258
Kansas State University
http://www.found.ksu.edu/corporate-partners/spirit.html
*Note: K-State uses a single application form for all scholarships, which can be found here:
http://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships/
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About the Kansas Board of Regents:
The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents is the governing board of the state's six universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state's 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities, one municipal university, nineteen community colleges, and six technical colleges). In addition, the Board administers the state's student financial aid, adult education, high school equivalency, and career and technical education programs. Private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions are authorized by the Kansas Board of Regents to operate in Kansas, and the Board continues to administer Kan-Ed, a program for facilitating and promoting distance learning and telemedicine in schools, libraries and hospitals. Visit the Kansas Board of Regents online at www.kansasregents.org.
About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.:
Spirit AeroSystems, with headquarters in Wichita, Kan., USA, is one of the world's largest non-OEM designers and manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial aircraft. In addition to its Wichita and Chanute facilities in Kansas, Spirit has locations in Tulsa and McAlester, Okla.; Kinston, N.C.; Prestwick, Scotland; Preston, England; Subang, Malaysia; and Saint-Nazaire, France. In the U.S., Spirit's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components. Additionally, Spirit provides aftermarket customer support services, including spare parts, maintenance/repair/overhaul, and fleet support services in North America, Europe and Asia. Spirit Europe produces wing components for a host of customers, including Airbus.
Spirit AeroSystems announces $576,000 scholarship program (PDF download)