KU, Topeka to launch loan program to fill high need areas

‘Advantage Topeka’ will provide money to qualifying students

Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway and Topeka Mayor James A. McClinton will sign an agreement next week to create the Advantage Topeka Loan Program, which will provide loans and establish a loan forgiveness program for KU students from Topeka who become employed in occupations designated “areas of high need” by the city.

“ The University of Kansas is pleased to join with Topeka in creating a program that will prove beneficial to KU students and will provide expertise in high-demand areas to strengthen Topeka’s workforce and economic growth,” Hemenway said. “This is a win-win program for both sides.”

The Advantage Topeka Program will allow Topeka residents who graduate from any Shawnee County high school and major in degrees that address Topeka’s areas of need to receive loans to pay for tuition and fees. The KU Endowment Association also will provide matching scholarship money. Upon graduation, if the student finds employment in Topeka in an area of need, the city will forgive the student’s loans.

The signing ceremony between Hemenway and McClinton will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, in the lobby of Capitol Federal Savings headquarters in Topeka.