Neosho County commissioners approved a revised scholarship agreement Dec. 30 with Neosho County Community College that will make the county program a last-dollar scholarship for county employees and limit awards to freshmen during fall and spring terms, with the program effective in fall 2026.

A college representative told the commission the three main changes are: making the scholarship last-dollar (students must first apply for Pell and other scholarships, and county funds cover remaining tuition and regular incidental fees), limiting eligibility to freshmen and to fall and spring semesters only (no summer or interterm), and setting an effective date of fall 2026. The representative said these revisions will stretch county scholarship dollars and better align the program with the Kansas Promise Act, which also operates as a last-dollar program.

Commissioners asked about application processing and whether the same application form would be used; the college representative confirmed the application process remains the same and recommended earlier applications to ensure timely processing. The representative also discussed discussions with county officials about a proposed CDL program the college hopes to have approved and running by fall 2026, subject to state approvals and accreditation steps.

A commissioner moved to accept the scholarship program agreement between the county and Neosho County Community College; the motion was seconded and approved by voice. Commissioners and the college representative agreed to sign the agreement and file copies in county records.