Impacts of the Besse Scholarship on College Attendance: An Evaluation of a Rural Scholarship Program

The rising costs of higher education have presented challenges for many students, particularly in rural areas where access to free-tuition programs has been limited. This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of the Besse Scholarship program, a rural guaranteed scholarship fund, on college attendance among students from Butternut High School. Targeting graduates between 1993 and 2022, the study employed convenience sampling and online surveys, with 120 respondents representing 21.4% of the eligible population. Results indicate that the Besse Scholarship motivated students to pursue higher education and provided significant financial relief. Eligibility for the scholarship was found to be positively associated with college attendance, alongside factors such as gender, economic status, and educational disability. The study underscores the importance of tailored support for students with diverse backgrounds and needs. It also highlights the broader impact of targeted financial assistance on fostering a culture of educational empowerment within rural communities like Butternut. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights for the design, implementation, and evaluation of scholarship programs in rural contexts, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of supporting post-high school education.