LIBERAL, Kan. — When the Seward County Community College Board of Trustees voted to fund concurrent classes for high school students in the college’s service area, they hoped to see students take hold of the opportunity. Three years later, more than 140 Saints Ahead Scholarship recipients have earned associate degrees in high school at low- or no cost.
“We call that a success,” said SCCC President Brad Bennett.
The number of concurrent graduates reflects the needs of the immediate community, he noted, and provides multiple avenues to achievement. The Saints Ahead Scholarship is the factor that removed barriers for students across 11 school districts and dramatically increased access for high schoolers.
“Some high school students were already exploring CTE courses through the SB155 program. Others were taking college English Composition or College Algebra at their high schools, but unless they paid tuition, they did not receive college credit,” said Bennett. “We had a feeling that more would jump at the chance to take gen-eds and other college-level courses if they could only afford to do so.”
That’s why the Saints Ahead Scholarship was created — to extend opportunity to all students in the SCCC service area. During their March 2026 meeting, the SCCC trustees revisited the Saints Ahead Scholarship and voted to continue the program, with a few adjustments to align with state and federal regulations and control costs. The result offers a deep discount to high school students who want to start college early.
“Our goal is the same: make college access possible for all high school students in our service area,” Bennett said. Accordingly, the board approved separate tuition scales, depending on where the students reside.
Through the Saints Ahead scholarship, Seward County students can enroll in college level classes with no-cost tuition, although a resource fee of $25 per credit hour will cover the cost of most books and materials. All other requirements are unchanged: students must maintain a 2.0 GPA for college courses their first semester, and a 2.5 GPA thereafter. The Seward County rate applies to students enrolled at Liberal High School, Southwestern Heights High School, Fellowship Baptist Academy, and privately home-schooled students who reside in Seward County. Outreach coordinators at the various schools and SCCC Outreach Director Laura Rosales work to make sure the schedules align and meet high school requirements.
For students in the SCCC service area — Meade, Morton, Haskell, Stevens, Grant, and Stanton counties — the cost per class is $75, with the resource fee of $25 per credit hour for books and materials added. Eligibility requirements are the same, and the out-of-county rate will be applied for students enrolled in public, private, or home schools.
Students, parents, and school faculty and administrators in the SCCC service area responded to the news about Saints Ahead Scholarship Phase 2 with appreciation.
“I’m thrilled SCCC decided to continue Saints Ahead,” said Lori Barnes, the SCCC Outreach Coordinator for Ulysses High School. “When this started, we had less than 10 students taking concurrent classes. This year, 22 students will graduate with associate degrees before they receive their high school diplomas. It’s a great opportunity for these students.”
Soon-to-be Liberal High School graduate and Saints alumna Klaire Anderson agreed. With plans to continue her college education at K-State and continue until she become a physician, Anderson expects to be in school for a long time. Earning an associate degree now “saved me two years and a lot of money while I work toward my goal,” she said.
For up-to-date information about SCCC, including the upcoming enrollment for summer and fall classes, visit sccc.edu.
Categories: Financial Aid, Outreach Schools, Scholarships
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