KANSAS CITY, Mo., (Mar. 23, 2026) – The Research Foundation has awarded its inaugural Medical Laboratory Science Scholarships to students enrolled in the Kansas City area who are completing hospital-based clinical rotations.
Three students representing NKC Health School of Medical Laboratory Science, Rockhurst University, and the University of Kansas each received $1,250 scholarships, totaling $3,750 in awards. The recipients include Graham Blackwood of the University of Kansas, Hannah Flynn of the NKC Health School of Medical Laboratory Science, and Chloe Strong of Rockhurst University. All three students graduated from high schools in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The Medical Laboratory Science Scholarship was established to help address the ongoing shortage of laboratory professionals by supporting students during the clinical rotation or internship portion of their training. Encouraging students to complete their clinical experiences in Kansas City increases the likelihood that they will remain in the region to begin their careers.
The scholarship fund was launched with an initial contribution from Lucia Johnson, who spent the majority of her 40-year career as a laboratory professional at Research Medical Center and currently serves on The Research Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“I hope scholarship recipients appreciate the financial assistance and enjoy working in the profession as much as I did,” Johnson said. “I want them to be proud of the important role medical laboratory scientists have in health care.”
Applicants must be enrolled in a medical laboratory science program at the University of Kansas Medical Center School of Health Professions, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Rockhurst University, NKC Health School of Medical Laboratory Science, University Health Truman Medical Center Medical Laboratory Science Program, or Saint Luke’s School of Medical Laboratory Science. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Preference is given to students who are from the Greater Kansas City area or who plan to work in the region after completing their training. Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition or provided directly to the student as a stipend to help cover living expenses while completing the program.
Applications for the scholarship will reopen in July 2026.
Visit theresearchfoundationkc.org/scholarships for more information about medical laboratory science scholarships.
