Walter J. Moss Teacher Enhancement Scholarship

An Opportunity for Professional Educators to Achieve Advanced Degrees or Certification

A Cut Above: The Enduring Legacy of Walter J. Moss

A distinguished professional and beloved Kokomo native, Walter J. Moss—or "Walt," as he was known across Howard County—built a legacy of service and dedication. Graduating from Kokomo High School in 1951, Walt became a lifelong entrepreneur whose name is synonymous with the downtown landscape. His enduring career in barbering began in 1952, and by 1965, he proudly purchased the shop that would become the famed Walt Moss Barber Shop, a nostalgic fixture until his retirement in 2006, and an institution to this day.

Walt understood that successful communities are built on vibrant educational foundations. His remarkable philanthropic efforts, channeled through the Kokomo Schools Education Foundation, specifically fund scholarships for Kokomo School Corporation's educators. This purposeful giving stems from a professional and academic conviction shared by both Walt and the Foundation: that supporting the advanced training of teachers and administrators is crucial for realizing optimized student achievement and guaranteeing an academically rigorous and sound learning environment for every child in Kokomo Schools.

Walt Moss Scholarship Application

Walt's legacy is not just etched in the brick and mortar of his timeless shop; it is the strong foundation he laid for future generations of students and educators. He proved that an investment in an educator is an investment in the entire community's tomorrow. By continuing to support the Kokomo Schools Public Education Foundation, the community honors his commitment and guarantees that the structure of academic excellence he helped build continues to stand tall, encouraging lifelong learning throughout all of Kokomo Schools.

Joe Dunbar, Executive Director  

   Kokomo Schools Public Education Foundation

Scholarship Selection Guidelines and Terms

The goal of this scholarship is to invest in the continuous professional development of Howard County educators.

Evaluation & Award Decisions: 

The Scholarship Committee makes award decisions based on a three-pronged assessment designed to ensure maximum educational impact: the quality and relevance of the proposed course of study, the applicant's contribution to the school district, and the direct application of the study to current or future professional duties. 

  • Kokomo School Corporation Applicants: Evaluations are conducted by the Scholarship Committee of the Kokomo Schools Public Education Foundation. 

  • Other Howard County Districts & Parochial Schools: Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee of the Community Foundation of Howard County, utilizing the identical criteria. 

Key Financial and Application Details: 

  • Maximum Award: Recipients are eligible for reimbursement up to $1,000. 

  • Disbursement: Reimbursement is processed through the Foundation upon receipt of official course transcripts and/or payment receipts for course fees or materials. 

  • Multiple Awards: Applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarship and receive assistance multiple times throughout their careers. 

  • Future Giving (Encouraged): Recipients are kindly asked, though not required, to consider contributing to the scholarship fund in future years to promote sustained investment in local education. 

  • Administrative Authority: Please note, the Foundation retains the professional right to decline any application or withhold the scholarship award during any annual cycle.

Qualifications:

  • Any professional educator in the Kokomo School Corporation or Howard County School Districts seeking an advanced degree and/or certification beyond initial certification is eligible.                

  • The degree or certification sought should be in the field of education or subject area taught.  

  • The degree or certification may be pursued at any institution of higher learning approved by the State of Indiana.  

  • Although not required, the recipient should have the intent to remain in the Kokomo School Corporation or their home school districts at least three years beyond the time of the scholarship award.  

  • The Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent or Director of Elementary Education, or their designees should approve the course of study being pursued.

For additional information, please contact Joe Dunbar, Executive Director, Kokomo Schools Public Education Foundation.

Apply for the Walt Moss Scholarship