McPherson County offers new $5,250 reverse scholarship to attract workers
The tiered financial incentive targets student loan debt and relocation costs to help reverse rural labor shortages
MCPHERSON — New professionals relocating to McPherson County can receive up to $5,250 to pay off student loans or cover moving expenses under a new reverse scholarship program aimed at combating local labor shortages.
The McPherson County Community Foundation announced the financial incentive Thursday as part of its Professional Recruitment initiative. The program offers an initial $1,000 award that grows to $1,750 in the second year and $2,500 in the third year.
To maintain eligibility, recipients — including recent college graduates accepting their first local jobs — must verify annually that they still live and work within the central Kansas county.
MCCF CEO Michelle Huddle said the funding is intended to make local career opportunities more attractive by tackling student debt, a major financial hurdle for young workers.
The foundation plans to fund two applicants this year, reviewing submissions on a rolling basis until the awards are distributed.
The local push mirrors statewide economic development and retention priorities championed by leaders like Gov. Laura Kelly, who has emphasized growing the state's rural workforce.
The McPherson foundation also recently launched the Kansas American Tooling Reverse Scholarship for trade professionals, reimbursing incoming workers for employment-related equipment and training costs.
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