5/4/26

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - For the sixth consecutive year, the Schmidt Foundation will provide full-ride scholarships to five exceptional Fort Hays State University students. Over the past several weeks, Fort Hays State representatives visited area high schools to surprise each student in person. These announcements included life-changing news that the Schmidt Foundation would cover a full-ride scholarship for the students to attend FHSU beginning in the fall 2026 semester.

The selection committee seeks academically gifted students who demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to contribute significantly to FHSU, the Hays community, and the state of Kansas.

First-generation students from Kansas planning to major in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communications programs receive scholarship preference. Though preferred, it is not required that a student major in one of these areas to be considered for the scholarship.

Schmidt Foundation scholars receive financial support to cover 30 hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, and room and board. Once accepted, recipients can renew their scholarship for up to three additional years by maintaining their academic standing and meeting the scholarship requirements.

Scholarship recipients for Fall 2026 include Broxton Gall, Raeann Cordell, Andrea Espana, Mitzel Carrillo Maldonado, and Jazmin Reyes.

Broxton will graduate from Ness City High School and plans to major in Health and Human Performance because he is passionate about helping others live healthier lives. “Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me,” Broxton said. “It lessens the financial burden on my family and allows me to focus more on my education and personal growth.”

A Solomon High School senior, Raeann Cordell plans to major in elementary education. “This scholarship will benefit me now by releasing such a huge burden from my family and my own life, and in the future by allowing me to focus on my studies and really be all in for the children that I get to work with one day,” she said.

After graduating from Cheylin High School, Andrea plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in interior design, a career that has inspired her since childhood. The daughter of hardworking immigrant parents, Andrea said she is “honored to carry my parents’ journey with me. Receiving the Schmidt Foundation Scholarship will relieve a significant financial burden and serve as the foundation on which I will build the life I've always dreamed of.”

Mitzil, a Hays High School senior, plans to major in biology and pursue a career in healthcare. “Coming from a Mexican immigrant household, my parents always reminded me that education is the goal,” Mitzil said. “Which is why I have always made it my biggest priority, and now I’m able to fully focus on my college life without the worries and stress of student loans and debt.”

Jazmin will graduate from Wichita North High School as a first-generation student motivated by her family’s hard work and sacrifices. She plans to major in diagnostic medical sonography to become an ultrasound technician and serve her community through healthcare. “Coming from a low-income but hardworking Hispanic household, I have learned to stay focused, persistent, and committed to building a better future for myself and my family,” she said.

For questions regarding the Schmidt Foundation Scholars application process, please contact the FHSU Office of Admissions at 785-628-5666, tigers@fhsu.edu