The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is Accepting Applications for the Irv Hoffman

Topeka, KS – The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (KSHL) has opened the application period for the

2026 Irv Hoffman Kansas Silver Haired Legislature Nursing Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship is

available to any Kansas resident currently enrolled in an accredited Kansas RN nursing program who

intends to work with older adults in Kansas after graduation. Two scholarships will be awarded.

Eligible students entering their final year of nursing school in 2026 are encouraged to apply. Applicants

must submit the scholarship application form along with a 500-word essay titled “How I Can

Contribute to the Care of Older Adults.” All materials must be submitted by March 1, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed by the KSHL Nursing Scholarship Committee, and the selected

recipient(s) will be notified following the committee’s decision. Scholarship funds will be disbursed

before the 2026 fall and spring semesters. The recipient will also be invited to attend the annual KSHL

Banquet in Topeka in October 2026 (exact date to be announced) to formally receive the award.

The Irv Hoffman Kansas Silver Haired Legislature Nursing Scholarship has supported one or more

deserving Kansas nursing students for many years. The KSHL believes strongly in supporting the

healthcare workforce that plays such a vital role in serving older Kansans.

Completed applications may be mailed to:

Irv Hoffman KSHL Scholarship

c/o Mary Calhoun

7916 Oakview Drive

Lenexa, KS 66215

Or submitted by email to: merrilee517@yahoo.com

Application: Irv Hoffman Nursing Scholarship Application

About the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (KSHL)

The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (KSHL) was established in 1982 by Kansas Senate Concurrent

Resolution No. 1649. It is a unicameral, nonpartisan body composed of up to 125 representatives—one

from each Kansas county, with five additional representatives from Wyandotte, Johnson, Shawnee, and

Sedgwick counties. All members are age 60 or older and are elected by their peers within their county.

Silver Haired Legislatures nationwide were first authorized by an Act of Congress in 1969, encouraging

states to form representative bodies of older adults to identify and advocate for issues affecting aging

populations. The KSHL continues this mission by elevating the priorities of Kansans age 60+ and

educating the Kansas Legislature on issues impacting older adults. KSHL also works to help older

Kansans understand the legislative process and its impact on their communities. Kansas Silver Haired

Legislature (kansas-shl.org)