Jason Murray has added another layer to his efforts to encourage former central Kansas residents to return home – or maybe never leave in the first place.
As executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF), Murray’s goal is to determine “what we can do to expand opportunities and enhance our quality of life. If we are successful, we can encourage young people to stay and/or attract people back to our four-county service area.”
GBCF serves Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties.
“I have compiled 13 questions for a survey of high school seniors about their educational, professional and community goals,” Murray said about his new project. “With the support of our school districts, I want to compile priceless information and share it with local governmental entities, chambers of commerce and economic development agencies.”
So far, Murray has visited Hoisington and Otis-Bison seniors. Macksville and St. John are scheduled for November and Ellinwood for next spring.
“The first two interactive presentations have gone well because the teenagers were engaged in the conversation,” Murray noted. “They love their communities but say there isn’t enough to do. However, they enjoy the peacefulness and camaraderie of smaller towns.
“School administrators also have been supportive,” he added. “They want our youth to come back or not leave at all so that their schools and communities can thrive.”
Principals or other administrators who haven’t yet scheduled a session are encouraged to contact Murray by calling 620-792-3000 or emailing him at jason@goldenbeltcf.org. His presentation lasts about 45 minutes.
“I am seeking participation from all 11 high schools,” Murray commented. “It is so important to have each school fairly represented in the survey results.”
These results will be available on a spreadsheet, with analysis. The surveys do not require a name, gender or income level.
“We need to find ways to help youth achieve their career and quality-of-life goals,” Murray summarized. “By discovering what they prioritize and value, we can focus our community resources in these areas.
“Listening to young people is a key to success,” he added. “This is why we are giving them the opportunity to make their voices heard.”
Come Home Scholarship/ROZ
A few months ago, Murray announced that he wanted to re-invigorate the local Come Home Reverse Scholarship Fund and spread the word about the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Program at the Kansas Department of Commerce.
A priority is to raise money for the Come Home scholarship because “we need to have enough funds available to give prospective applicants an incentive to participate,” Murray said. “Currently, there is not enough in the fund to offer even one scholarship. We are eager to grow this fund so that we can market the scholarship.”
This fund is financed only through private donations. It is designed to benefit fairly recent graduates who face student-loan debt. Grants are paid directly to the loan holder over a five-year period.
ROZ offers incentives for new full-time residents, including up to $15,000 in student-loan repayment assistance over five years.
“These two programs increase the amenities that could help bring people into our community,” Murray said. “If you know of anyone who would consider re-locating to our area, please pass this information along to them. Anyone with questions is more than welcome to contact me.”
At more than $30 million in total assets and more than 200 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call 620-792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.
