Kauffman Scholars is a comprehensive, multi-year program designed to help urban students in Kansas City prepare for and complete a college education. The program provides support to students beginning in seventh grade and works with students until they complete their college education. The program was launched by the Kauffman Foundation in the fall of 2003, when the first class of seventh-graders joined the program. To help Kauffman Scholars recognize their full potential and prepare for college graduation, students receive extensive support throughout their years in the program. Students selected for the program must live in the Kansas City, Kansas or Kansas City, Missouri public school districts and attend public or charter school in the Kansas City, Kansas or Kansas City, Missouri.