Apply Now: OCCK More Than You Think Scholarship

If you are a student with a disability living in North Central Kansas and you have been looking for financial help to continue your education after high school, there is some great news for you. OCCK, Inc. has officially announced that applications are now open for its 2026 “More Than You Think” Scholarship. This scholarship was created specifically for students like you, and it is one of the more meaningful local scholarship opportunities available in the state of Kansas today.

In this article, we are going to walk you through everything about this scholarship. From the history of why it was created, to who exactly qualifies, what the award amount looks like, what you need to submit, and when the deadline falls. By the time you finish reading, you will know whether this is the right opportunity for you and exactly how to go after it.

What Is the OCCK “More Than You Think” Scholarship?

The “More Than You Think” Scholarship is a financial award offered annually by OCCK, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Salina, Kansas. The scholarship is open to students with disabilities who live in specific counties in North Central Kansas and who plan to pursue some kind of post-secondary education, whether that is a four-year university, a community college, a vocational school, a technical school, or even a cosmetology school. The key thing is that the program the applicant plans to enroll in must lead to a recognized credential.

For the 2026 cycle, OCCK will award 10 students with scholarships of $1,250 each. That money goes directly to the educational institution where the student is enrolled, so it is applied where it matters most.

The scholarship is not just about the money, though. It is a recognition. It says that students with disabilities in rural Kansas are capable, determined, and absolutely deserving of the chance to build a future through education. That message is baked into the name itself: “More Than You Think.”

The History Behind the Scholarship: Why OCCK Started It

To understand why this scholarship exists, you have to know a little bit about the organization behind it. OCCK, Inc. has been serving people with disabilities in North Central Kansas since 1970. They provide everything from independent living skills and support, to employment and career training, transportation, autism services, assistive technology, children’s services, home health care, Alzheimer’s support, and specialized therapies. In short, they walk alongside people with disabilities from birth through the entire course of their lives.

In 2020, OCCK celebrated its 50th anniversary as an organization. As part of that milestone, they wanted to do something lasting. Something that would honor the work of past generations while also investing in the future of the communities they serve. That is when the “More Than You Think” Scholarship was born.

The scholarship was established as a long-term reminder of the good that has been done for people with disabilities in rural Kansas, and of the good work that is still ahead. Since its first award cycle in 2021, the scholarship has helped dozens of students take their first steps into higher education and career training.

Shelia Nelson-Stout, the CEO of OCCK, Inc., put it in clear terms when she said the scholarship is about more than financial support. It is about investing in the future of communities and walking alongside young people as they pursue education and build their goals.

Who Is OCCK, Inc.?

Before we get into the specifics of the scholarship itself, it helps to understand what OCCK is and why they are trusted in this region. OCCK stands for an organization that began serving people with disabilities in North Central Kansas over five decades ago. They are headquartered in Salina, Kansas, and they operate across a wide service area covering multiple counties in the north central part of the state.

The organization provides an incredibly wide range of disability services. Their supports include community living arrangements, service coordination, brain injury support, personal and home care, children’s services, retirement services, employment training, supported employment and internships, telehealth, skilled nursing, and public transportation including the Salina CityGo bus network. They also run assistive technology programs and collaborate with community partners to serve individuals across the full spectrum of disability types and age ranges.

OCCK does not limit its services to any single type of disability. Anyone with a long-term or short-term physical or mental disability may be eligible for their programs. That same inclusive philosophy is reflected in the “More Than You Think” Scholarship.

2026 Scholarship Details: Award Amount and Number of Recipients

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, OCCK has committed to awarding 10 scholarships at $1,250 each. This is a meaningful increase compared to earlier years when individual awards were up to $1,000. The decision to raise the award amount reflects the organization’s growing commitment to this program and to the students it serves.

Keep in mind that scholarship payments are made directly to the college, university, trade school, or other credentialed institution where the student is enrolled. The money does not go directly to the student’s bank account. This is a fairly standard practice among institutional scholarships and ensures the funds are used for educational expenses.

One more thing worth noting: scholarship awards may be partially or fully taxable depending on your individual tax situation. OCCK recommends that recipients consult a tax advisor to understand how the award may affect their taxes.

Eligibility Requirements: Do You Qualify?

This is often the most important section for any scholarship article, and we want to be thorough here because meeting all the eligibility criteria is absolutely essential before you spend time putting together your application. Here is what OCCK requires for the 2026 “More Than You Think” Scholarship.

1. You Must Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

The scholarship is open to United States citizens and lawful permanent residents. International students are not eligible for this particular award.

2. You Must Have a Disability as Defined by the ADA

This scholarship is specifically designed for students with disabilities. OCCK uses the definition provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. Under the ADA, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The definition also covers people who have a history or record of such an impairment, and people who are perceived by others as having an impairment.

This is a broad definition, which means many types of disabilities may qualify. Physical disabilities, sensory impairments, cognitive and intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions, chronic illness, and other conditions that substantially limit a major life activity can all potentially meet this standard. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, it is worth reaching out to OCCK directly to ask.

3. You Must Reside in a Qualifying Kansas County

Your primary residence must be in one of the following nine North Central Kansas counties:

• Saline County
• Ottawa County
• Cloud County
• Republic County
• Jewell County
• Mitchell County
• Lincoln County
• Ellsworth County
• Dickinson County

If you live outside these counties, unfortunately you would not be eligible for this scholarship. OCCK’s service area is specifically the north central region of Kansas, and the scholarship reflects that geographic focus.

4. You Must Plan to Enroll in a Post-Secondary Credentialed Program

This scholarship is for students who are moving beyond high school into some form of post-secondary education. The program you plan to attend must lead to a recognized credential. That includes four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, trade programs, and cosmetology schools. Any type of credentialed program will be considered, so do not assume your choice of school is automatically disqualifying.

5. OCCK Employees Are Not Eligible

If you or your application in any way relates to current OCCK employment, please note that OCCK employees are not eligible to apply for this scholarship. This is a standard conflict-of-interest policy.

What You Need to Submit: Application Requirements

The application process for the “More Than You Think” Scholarship is straightforward, but you need to make sure everything is complete before you submit. Here is what OCCK requires:

The Completed Scholarship Application

You must fill out the official scholarship application in full, including all required signatures. OCCK provides the application as both a PDF file and a plain text file for accessibility purposes. Both versions are available for download directly from the OCCK scholarships page on their website.

Two Letters of Reference

Along with your completed application, you need to include two letters of reference. These are letters written by people who know you and can speak to your character, your goals, and your potential. Good references for a scholarship like this might include teachers, school counselors, disability service providers, community members, employers, or coaches. Choose people who can speak specifically about your qualities and your plans for the future.

Important Notes on Your Application

There are a few things to keep in mind as you put your application together. Late applications will be automatically disqualified, so the deadline is firm. Additionally, if you are selected as a recipient, you will be required to submit a photograph of yourself. Also, please do not expect your application materials to be returned to you once submitted.

Application Deadline for 2026: When You Need to Apply By

The 2026 application cycle opened on April 23, 2026. The deadline to submit all materials is June 15, 2026. This applies whether you are mailing your application or submitting online.

If you are mailing your application, the envelope must be postmarked by June 15, 2026. You should send your application and letters of reference to:

OCCK, Inc.
ATTN: Scholarship Committee
1710 W. Schilling Road
Salina, KS 67401

Given how important it is not to miss the deadline, we strongly recommend submitting your application well before June 15. Do not wait until the last day.

How to Apply for the OCCK “More Than You Think” Scholarship

There are three ways to submit your application. Choose the one that works best for you.

Apply Online

The fastest and easiest option is to apply through the official OCCK scholarship page. You can complete the form online and upload your two letters of reference directly. To apply, visit the OCCK Scholarships page and follow the link to the online application form.

Apply by Email

You can also email your completed application and letters of reference to OCCK. Use the subject line “2026 Scholarship Application” and send your materials to the scholarship coordinator at sgeist@occk.com. Make sure all documents are attached and that your application is fully completed before sending.

Apply by Mail

If you prefer a paper application, you can download and print the PDF or plain text version of the application from the OCCK website, fill it out by hand, and mail it along with your two reference letters to the address listed above. Remember that the envelope must be postmarked no later than June 15, 2026.

If you have any questions about the application process, you can also contact OCCK directly by phone at (785) 827-9383 or toll-free at 1-800-526-9731.

Past Scholarship Recipients: Real Students Making Real Progress

One of the things that makes the “More Than You Think” Scholarship feel real and meaningful is the fact that OCCK publicly recognizes its past recipients. This is not just a program on paper. Real students from real communities in North Central Kansas have received this money and used it to move forward in their education and their lives.

In 2025, OCCK awarded scholarships to four students: Charles Hylton of Abilene, Christian Darnell of Cawker City, James Allen of Beloit, and Lauren Saenger of Bennington.

In 2023, seven students were recognized: Ethan Brown of Salina, Blayke Clemmer of Salina, Seth Clemmer of Salina, Christian Darnell of Cawker City, Amara Johnson of Abilene, Kiara Jones of Salina, and Teara Ward of Burr Oak.

In 2022, five students received the award: Maddison Mills of Clay Center, Olivia Lawson of Solomon, Cayden Cassel of Salina, Amaro Arceo of Salina, and Ethan Brown of Salina.

And in the very first year in 2021, five students were selected: Luke Hager of Abilene, Macayla East of Abilene, Cayden Cassel of Salina, Trisha Crumpton of Salina, and Ethan Brown of Salina.

Seeing names like Ethan Brown appearing in multiple years is a good reminder that this program has staying power and that OCCK is genuinely invested in the long-term success of students in their community.

Why This Scholarship Matters for Students With Disabilities

Scholarships like the “More Than You Think” Scholarship fill a real gap. Students with disabilities often face additional financial barriers when it comes to pursuing post-secondary education. They may have healthcare costs that other students do not, they may require assistive technology or specialized academic accommodations, and they may have had fewer opportunities to build savings or work consistently during high school. On top of that, students in rural Kansas communities are not always surrounded by the same range of resources that students in larger metro areas might access.

A $1,250 award may not cover tuition entirely, but it can cover a semester of textbooks, transportation costs, accommodation fees, or the deposit on student housing. It can be the difference between a student being able to start the next chapter of their life and having to put those plans on hold. That is not a small thing.

Beyond the financial aspect, being recognized as a scholarship recipient has its own value. It is an acknowledgment that a student’s goals are worth investing in. That message, especially for young people with disabilities who may have been told all their lives what they cannot do, carries real weight.

Other Disability Scholarship Resources Worth Knowing

While the OCCK scholarship is a strong local option for Kansas students, it is also worth knowing that other scholarships for students with disabilities exist at the state and national level. Organizations like the National Federation of the Blind, the American Foundation for the Blind, the Epilepsy Foundation, and the United Negro College Fund all offer scholarship programs with disability-related criteria. The federal government also provides financial aid through programs like FAFSA, and students with documented disabilities may qualify for additional support through their school’s financial aid office.

If you are applying for the OCCK scholarship, we encourage you not to stop there. Cast a wide net, apply to multiple awards, and stack as much support as you can to make your education as affordable as possible.

Tips for Writing a Strong Scholarship Application

Since you are here and thinking about applying, let us share a few tips that can help you put together the strongest possible application for the OCCK “More Than You Think” Scholarship.

First, be genuine in your application. The scholarship committee is made up of people who care deeply about the community and about disability inclusion. They are not looking for a perfectly polished corporate essay. They want to understand who you are, what you have been through, and where you are trying to go. Authentic stories connect. Write like yourself.

Second, choose your reference letter writers carefully. Pick people who actually know you and can speak specifically about your situation, your character, and your ambitions. A generic letter from someone who barely knows you will not serve you as well as a genuine, specific letter from a teacher, counselor, or mentor who has seen you in action.

Third, make sure your application is complete. Missing a signature, a letter of reference, or a required field can get an otherwise strong application disqualified. Read through the requirements multiple times and double-check everything before you submit.

Fourth, do not wait until the last day. Deadlines are firm and late applications are not accepted. If something goes wrong with your mail or internet connection on June 14, that is a real problem. Give yourself a buffer. Try to have everything ready to submit by June 1.

How to Get More Information

If you have specific questions about the 2026 “More Than You Think” Scholarship that were not answered in this article, OCCK has made it easy to reach out. You can call their main number at (785) 827-9383 or use the toll-free line at 1-800-526-9731. You can also email the scholarship coordinator at sgeist@occk.com with any specific questions about your eligibility or the application process.

For the most current and complete information, including the downloadable application forms in both PDF and plain text formats, visit the official OCCK scholarships page.

Final Thoughts: Apply Before June 15, 2026

The OCCK “More Than You Think” Scholarship is a genuine, community-rooted opportunity for students with disabilities in North Central Kansas. It was started because people at OCCK believe that students with disabilities are capable of more than others sometimes give them credit for, and they put real money behind that belief every single year.

If you live in one of the nine qualifying Kansas counties, have a disability as defined by the ADA, and you are planning to pursue any kind of post-secondary education or training, this scholarship was made for you. The application process is not complicated. You need the completed form and two letters of reference. That is it.

The deadline is June 15, 2026. Start your application today, reach out to your reference letter writers now so they have enough time to write something meaningful, and get everything submitted well before the cutoff date. Ten students are going to receive $1,250 each this year. One of them could be you.

To apply, visit the OCCK “More Than You Think” Scholarship application page and follow the instructions to submit online, by email, or by mail.

Good luck, and remember: you are more than people think.