When the founders of Oktoberfest first imagined this celebration, they wanted it to be more than just a festival — they wanted it to give back. Their goal was simple: to reinvest the proceeds from this cherished heritage event into the local community.

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At the heart of that mission is the Volga German Centennial Association Oktoberfest Scholarship. Over the years, this program has provided thousands of dollars in scholarships to students of Volga German descent — a proud tradition we’re honored to continue.

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Each year, two $500 scholarships ($250 per semester) are awarded to full-time students of Volga German heritage:

· One attending Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

· One attending Fort Hays Tech North West (FHTechNW)

Application Deadline: February 15

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Introducing the VOLGA Scholarship

Volunteer Oktoberfest Leadership Grant Award

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New in 2025, we’re proud to introduce the VOLGA Scholarship — a special recognition of dedication and service. This inaugural award goes to Richard Cox, FHTechNW Department Chair, Automotive Technology, honoring him and his students for their many years of volunteering at Oktoberfest Hays.

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Volga German Centennial Association Oktoberfest Scholarship

Application Information

The Volga German Centennial Association Oktoberfest Scholarship supports full-time students attending (or planning to attend next fall):

· Fort Hays State University (FHSU), or

· Fort Hays Tech North Central (FHTechNC)

Award: Two non-renewable $500 scholarships are offered each year—one for an FHSU student and one for an FHTechNC student. Funds are paid $250 in fall and $250 in spring.

Deadline: February 15 (submit to the Oktoberfest Philanthropy Committee)

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Eligibility

Applicants must:

· Be currently enrolled or officially accepted at FHSU or FHTechNC.

· Plan to attend full-time in the upcoming academic year.

· Have a 2.5+ GPA on a 4.0 scale.

· Demonstrate descent from settlers in Ellis or Rush Counties (see ancestral chart).

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Preference Order

1. Volga German descendants from Ellis or Rush Counties (Kansas)

2. Descendants of Germans from Russia

3. Graduates of high schools in counties on or west of U.S. Hwy 183

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How to Apply

· Type all materials. You can complete answers directly in the online form; when finished, save as a PDF for email submission.

· Include your most recent transcript.

· Availability: Recipients must be available to accept the award on stage at OktoberfestHays (Friday, 9:30 a.m., opening ceremony) and to ride in the parade on Saturday morning.

· Submit by email: Subject: Oktoberfest Scholarship Application To: Cynthia Goetz Stone, VGCA Philanthropy Chair — gtzstone@sbcglobal.net

Questions? Email Cynthia directly or text 785-893-1431 (after 2 p.m.).