Nikita Joshi, a spring 2019 Blue Valley High School graduate, has been named a University of Missouri-Kansas City Trustees’ Scholar.

When Joshi begins history studies at UMKC in the fall, she will receive a scholarship valued at $60,000 over four years. Her award is supported by the UMKC Board of Trustees, the founder of the scholarship program.

Joshi was a member of the National Speech & Debate Association, National Honor Society; and was a Blue Valley High School Social Studies Scholar honoree and Kansas Honor Scholar.

Joshi worked at Kumon Math and Reading Education Center as a tutor and was a volunteer for March for our Lives and Eastern Kansas VA. Her extracurricular activities included the Blue Valley Young Progressives Club, UNICEF Club and was a mentor for the incoming freshman class at her high school.

In the essay submitted to the Trustees’ Scholars selection committee, Joshi said she wants to share her passions with people and spark action to create something better for the future.

“With an education from UMKC, I know I would get the personal attention I need in order to become a truly well-rounded individual and compelling champion of changes,” Joshi said. “Whether I choose to become a filmmaker documenting the stories of Syrian refugees, an environmental lawyer for the World Wildlife Fund or a congresswoman, I know that UMKC will help me develop the skills I need in order to leave my mark on the world.”

The Trustees’ Scholarship provides educational fees and on-campus room and board for the first two years. In the third and fourth years, the package provides educational fees and $2,000 for room and board. Each Trustees’ Scholar also receives $500 toward books each year.

To qualify as Trustees’ Scholars, students must meet at least two of the following three criteria: score a minimum ACT Composite of 30, rank in the top five percent of the graduating class, or have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or more in a 17-class core curriculum. Trustees’ Scholars must enroll full time, be seeking an undergraduate degree and commit to living on campus for the first two years.

The UMKC Trustees’ Scholars Program is unique in that it aligns students closely with corporate sponsors, who give students access to their professional knowledge and experience, insight into the inner workings of the company or institution they represent, and a strong mentor relationship throughout the college experience. Students have opportunities to network and find internships or jobs through the Trustees and their connections in the community.