Staley School Admits 24 to Developing Scholars
K-State's Staley School of Leadership has admitted 24 new students to its Developing Scholars Program for the 2026-27 cohort.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Scholarships
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Kansas State University's Staley School of Leadership admitted 24 new students to its Developing Scholars Program for the 2026-27 academic year. The program prioritizes first-generation and underrepresented students and offers structured research opportunities and faculty mentorship.
Why it matters
Increasing undergraduate research involvement is part of the K-State strategic plan and central to its mission as a land-grant institution. Program graduates earn on average $10,000 more in starting salary than non-participants, according to analysis by Susan Rensing.
Applicants must hold a 3.0 GPA and submit a letter of recommendation, resume, transcript, and essay response. The program includes a stipend to fund research and presents annual university-wide symposiums.
The players
Kansas State University
A public land-grant research university in Manhattan, Kansas, which runs the Staley School of Leadership and the Developing Scholars Program.
Susan Rensing
A Kansas State University researcher who analyzed graduate career data showing the program's graduates earn higher starting salaries.
The details
The program offers networking opportunities with fellow students and researchers, and has long-standing partnerships with Kansas community colleges, especially in southwest Kansas. Transfer students from those partner colleges have been a significant part of the program over the years.
Timeline
Oct. 28, 2026: Program admitted 24 new students for the 2026-27 cohort.
2026-27 academic year: Newly admitted cohort begins the program.
Season Trajectory
The program extends K-State's strategic plan goal of expanding undergraduate research involvement, a priority tied to its land-grant mission. It deepens the university's pipeline from Kansas community colleges into research-intensive study.
Prospective students who are first-generation, underrepresented, or transfers from Kansas community colleges may qualify for the program if they hold a 3.0 GPA. Applicants should prepare a letter of recommendation, resume, transcript, and essay response.
The takeaway
Undergraduate research participation may bring measurable career benefits, and students with a 3.0 GPA from Kansas community colleges should review the program's application requirements.
Further reading
Explore more Scholarships options for students pursuing research-focused programs in Manhattan.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kansas State Collegian.
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