The Kansas Honors Program recognizes and awards high school seniors for their academic achievements. Each year KU alumni gather in more than 37 locations across the state for an awards ceremony and honorary dinner or reception. All high-school seniors who rank academically in the top 10 percent of their class are asked to attend as guests of the Association with their parents, principals, counselors and superintendents.

The Kansas Honors Program has been a KU tradition since 1971. It is designed to promote academic excellence in secondary education, to reward high school seniors for their hard work and dedication, and to support our Kansas communities.

Each Kansas Honor Scholar receives a special edition of Webster’s New College Dictionary, and has a chance to qualify for a $4,000 scholarship to KU. Scholars are selected based on academic records through the previous semester that are provided by high school principals. Selections are made regardless of curricula (weighted or non-weighted), majors, occupational plans or higher-education goals. Before each program, a list of Kansas Honor Scholars will be released to all area newspapers and posted online.

Community and alumni cooperation make these annual programs positive community events that focus attention on the students and the high schools for achievement in their most important endeavor–academics. Thank you to the approximately 140 alumni volunteers who coordinate and support 37 Kansas Honors Programs each year. For more information about the Kansas Honors Program, please contact the Association at 800.584.2957.