Funding Priorities

Our Initiatives Are Student-Focused »

Wichita State Students on campus

Funding Priorities

Our Initiatives Are Student-Focused

We help Shockers succeed

Just as Wichita State University is passionately student-focused, so are the initiatives the WSU Foundation has identified as our most urgent funding priorities. If you are considering a gift to Wichita State, we encourage you to learn more about the impact these initiatives will have on student success.

Need-based scholarships

Everyone who wants a college education at Wichita State should have that opportunity. Scholarships are crucial to make it happen. Forty-seven percent of our WSU students are the first in their families to attend college, which typically means they have strong financial need. And about 31 percent of all WSU students who seek financial aid are not able to get support because more resources are needed. The total gap of $2.8 M represents 1,584 students who applied for aid but didn’t get it. The average gap for residential students is $2,000.

“I was working four jobs. Getting zero sleep. People could tell I was struggling,” said Kaylie Aikins. Like many Wichita State students, Kaylie comes from a family with limited means. She’s on her own financially, yet driven to make her life better by getting a college education. Being the recipient of a generous scholarship allowed her to quit three of her part-time jobs and focus on her classes.

We hope you will consider helping other students like Kaylie in one of three ways:

  • Contribute to a need-based scholarship in one of our academic colleges.
  • Endow a need-based scholarship.
  • Start a current need-based scholarship.

For more information, fill out our contact form.

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Wichita State Woolsey Hall rendering with bridge

New technology will sustain the Barton School of Business's competitive edge

A new facility for the W. Frank Barton School of Business will take business education to a new level, preparing our students to be innovative, collaborative and entrepreneurial for tomorrow’s competitive workforce. Already, our remarkable alumni and friends have committed $30 million to this $60 million endeavor.

We are raising additional dollars for the technology enhancement fund. Today’s fast-evolving advancements have made technology the driver for successful modern businesses and are a vital educational component for business students now and in the future.

If you are interested in giving to the technology enhancement fund, contact Jessie Rainey at jessie.rainey@wichita.edu or call at 316.978.3948.

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Pandemic-related funds

It’s hard to imagine a time in our university’s history when students have struggled so much financially. Many lost their jobs during the shutdown and now face immense challenges to re-enter the workforce and catch up financially. As they worry about basic necessities such as food and shelter, they also agonize over how they will cover tuition and other costs of their education. We have set up three funds of support to help those impacted by the pandemic.

  • COVID-19 Need-based Scholarship Fund by academic area
  • COVID-19 Student Fund to help students facing financial hardship
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W. Frank Barton School of Business Rendering

10.5.20

Clark and Sharon Bastian, Fidelity Bank invest another $500,000 in new home for Wichita State’s W. Frank Barton School of Business

Gene and Yolanda Camarena

8.31.20

With $1 million gift, Gene and Yolanda Camarena will help students of color succeed at Wichita State University