Bloch Launchpad

Step Into Your Future With Bloch Launchpad

Selected students receive an exclusive $2,500 renewable scholarship ($10,000 total value over four years) designed to support your journey from day one. This competitive opportunity is open exclusively to first-time college students enrolling at Bloch directly following high school graduation.

Eligibility and Renewal Criteria

To be considered for Launchpad selection and scholarship support, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

  • Academic Pathway: Gain admission to UMKC to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA). 
  • Residency: Hold residency in Missouri or Kansas. 
  • Academic Achievement: Maintain a high school core GPA of 3.0 or above. 
  • Application Essays: Complete the short-essay section on the Bloch Launchpad application with strong, thoughtful responses. 

To maintain your $2,500 annual scholarship and stay in good standing with Bloch Launchpad, scholars commit to maintaining active academic and professional engagement throughout their four years: 

  • Academic Progress: Enroll in at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
  • First-Year Engagement: Attend and actively participate in bi-weekly professional development seminars during your first year. 
  • Director Check-Ins: Complete annual check-ins with the Launchpad Program Director to review goals and progress. 
  • Experiential Learning & Growth: Accumulate 225 hours of professional development each year (totaling 900 hours over four years). Hours can be earned through: 
  • Student organization leadership and involvement 
  • Professional certifications 
  • Work in the Bloch Consulting Lab 
  • Premier Track participation 
  • Required internship completion 

Your Launchpad Commitment: By accepting this invitation, you commit to a rigorous, highly rewarding journey designed to accelerate your career and position you as a business leader. 

More About Launchpad

Premier Launchpad Tracks

Incoming freshmen can customize their experience through optional, premier tracks including More In 4Accounting Leaders of TomorrowBanking Leaders of Tomorrow, and Real Estate Leaders of Tomorrow. These specialized paths offer personalized professional development tailored to specific industries, along with additional scholarship opportunities for selected students.  

Meet the Director

Hi, I am Whitney Vaughn, the Launchpad Program Director! I am from Kansas City, Mo., born and raised. Professionally, I come from Park University, where I was the campus director at the downtown KC and Lenexa locations.

Learn more about Whitney

What Our Launchpad Scholars Say

Aside from the obvious benefits of the Launchpad scholarship, the Launchpad program is one that helps you succeed. Exclusive social and professional events, seminars, and workshops help you build connections and learn new skills.
Profile photo of Ariel Fanning, class of 2027 business administration graduate.

Ariel Fanning

Business Administration, Class of 2027, Launchpad Scholar

My favorite aspect of Launchpad thus far has been our company visits. Being able to tour Kansas City companies and meet with professionals has been eye-opening and allowed me to figure out what I want to do post-graduation.
Profile photo of Jordan Daniels, class of 2021 Bloch School alum.

Jordan Daniels

Accounting, Class of 2021, Launchpad Alum

I am continually impressed by the enthusiasm with which our program faculty and student leadership generate engagement opportunities for us, whether they be networking events, professional enrichments, career prospects, or even social get-togethers.
Profile photo of Gavin Ott, class of 2022 Bloch Launchpad scholar.

Gavin Ott

Business Administration, Class of 2022, Launchpad Alum

Learn More About Bloch Launchpad

Email: Launchpad@umkc.edu, Text: (816) 578-0406, Call: (816) 235-5155