The Jerry Bailey Educational Opportunity Scholarship

The Jerry Bailey Educational Opportunity Scholarship provides financial support for low-income and first-generation students as they pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas. One to two recipients yearly will receive a one-time award, ranging from $750 to $1,500.

Eligibility

Applicants must be newly entering freshmen/transfer students, or continuing undergraduate students at KU, and they must be enrolled full-time (12+ credits) during the fall term of the scholarship award. See Admissions to apply.

The Selection Committee will give preference to applicants who meet as many of the following criteria as possible: 

  1. Demonstrate financial need - Complete the appropriate online financial need documentation based on citizenship status:
  2. Be first-generation college students, meaning neither parent/guardian has earned a 4-year college bachelor's degree
  3. Be current or former participants of a KU CEOP program 
  4. Have achieved academic success despite hardship or unusual challenge(s) 
  5. Demonstrate personal motivation for achieving academic and career goals

Scholarship Timeline

  • Application Open: January 1

  • Application Deadline: March 1

  • Award Notices: April 15

Scholarship Application

If you are eligible, please complete the application between January 1 - March 1. The online application must be completed at one time and cannot be saved in progress.
Jerry Bailey congratulates a scholarship recipient
Jerry Bailey
CEOP director Ngondi Kamatuka and Jerry Bailey with scholarship recipients

About Jerry Bailey

From 1977 to 2013, Jerry Bailey, Associate Professor Emeritus, led over 200 sponsored programs within the KU School of Education and supported colleague and current CEOP Director Ngondi Kamatuka in developing programs at the University that promote educational opportunity and access for all. His leadership and support were instrumental in the development and growth of the current Center for Educational Opportunity Programs. Jerry Bailey has also been an ardent supporter of CEOP’s efforts to build a scholarship fund that will help make a KU degree possible for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students for years to come. His contributions have greatly benefited this scholarship initiative, and we are honored to dedicate this scholarship fund in his name.

Donations

  • To donate to the Jerry Bailey CEOP Scholarship Fund and help make more college dreams a reality, contact Chris Hepp, KU Endowment Director of Development, at 785-832-7417, or email him at chepp@kundowment.org.

  • Please include a note in the Special Instructions field indicating that your donation will benefit the Jerry Bailey Education Opportunity Scholarship Fund.

Donate Online