In addition to funding the Academy, the Hubbard Foundation also annually provides three scholarships for four years of study to graduates of the Academy who attend Emporia State University and major in teacher education. The elite group of students selected to participate each summer represents rural and urban areas throughout Kansas. Presenters for the Academy include former Master Teachers, area education experts, college students, and Emporia State University faculty. Approximately 50 students are selected annually from 250 to 300 applicants. Criteria include varied school and community activities, grade point average, and a letter of reference.
Preference is given to minorities and men.
The mean grade point average of participants annually is above 3.5. The mean grade point average for the students who attended the 1994 Summer Academy was 3.91. Testing before and after the academy has consistently shown that nearly 100 percent of the students are more convinced, after having taken part in the academy, that they want to pursue teaching as a career. The Bank IV Kansas Better Schools Project, introduced in 1994, recognizes Kansas schools with outstanding educational improvement programs. It is sponsored by the Jones Institute for Educational Excellence, an endowed educational institute within the Teachers College, and by Bank IV Kansas.