Empowering Every Student to Reach Their Full Potential
Removing Barriers. Unlocking Potential.
The Headed North Scholarship Fund was founded to ensure that no student is left behind simply because of financial limitations. Whether it’s joining a team, exploring a passion, or building confidence through creative expression, extracurriculars change lives — and every student deserves that chance. With a growing number of families in the SM North area facing economic hardship, HNF helps bridge the gap between desire and access.
Created by the Community
Founded in 2020, HNF is rooted in a deep belief in community and opportunity. This fund is powered by the people it serves, ensuring every child gets a fair shot to participate.
Real Impact, Real Students
From soccer games to theater camps, HNF has already helped over 900 families pursue their interests, build friendships, and discover their strengths through extracurricular involvement.
The research is clear on the profound impact of after-school engagement on student success. Studies consistently reveal that participation in extracurricular activities is linked to improved academic performance, enhanced attendance, and more positive attitudes towards learning.
The sense of belonging and purpose nurtured through these activities strongly correlates with healthier choices and a decreased likelihood of harmful behavior.
Beyond academics, after-school programs cultivate essential life skills such as citizenship, teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Notably, the ACT has identified a student’s involvement in extracurricular activities as the single most reliable predictor of their success beyond high school — highlighting the transformative power of these experiences.
Our Mission Statement
The Headed North Scholarship Fund supplements activity fees and uniform costs for individual students in grades K–8 who demonstrate a need for financial assistance in order to participate in after-school activities. Students must live or go to school in the Shawnee Mission North attendance area to qualify.