Chandler/Turner Scholarship Application

The descendants of James and Ellen Turner Chandler would like to award scholarships for this up and coming academic school year, in honor of our deceased family members. The scholarships fall into categories derived from the vocations of the Chandler Turner siblings who have passed on.

The James Chandler Jr. Scholarship is for a young person interested in entrepreneurship and general business. James Chandler Jr. successfully navigated the world of work and business thriving with intention and consistency. He was also an avid photographer, always capturing great family photos documenting the Chandler Turner history.

The Teola Chandler Tillman Scholarship is for a young person with the compassion to help and interested in the medical field with a strong emphasis in nursing. Teola absolutely loved being a nurse. Her greatest gift was helping people in general and specifically with medical needs. She passionately gave back to the community often volunteering her support for medical care education and assistance. She was known for her grace in volunteer work and making a difference.

The Eldora Chandler Gray & Roger L. Chandler scholarship will be awarded to those youth that are community leaders / education majors. Eldora loved making a difference in the lives of students specifically in teaching. She often changed the lives of many students through education often in working with the underdog student through one on one support and tutoring, creating life-changing results. Roger L. Chandler often assisted Eldora in general areas as support staff cleaning, heavy lifting, assisting and helping as needed with a variety of programs and tasks. Roger L. Chandler most importantly brought smiles to the bright faces of many students.

The Marvin W. Chandler Scholarship will be for an athlete that has shown great leadership, commitment to academics and outstanding sportsmanship. Marvin W. Chandler was a stellar athlete thriving successfully in multiple sports. He often worked as a coach mentoring and making a difference in the lives of young athletes.

Sheilah V. Chandler Jordan Scholarship is for a young person interested in interior design and general artistic interest. Sheilah loved decor, art, books, flowers and colors. She had a unique way of creating a beautiful and interesting environment. Sheilah was known for finding unique artists and shops, often handcrafted and simply beautiful finds.

“Brighten The Corner Where You Are” Honoring the life of Edna Ray
Edna Ray an avid and passionate supporter/donor of the Chandler / Turner Scholarship Fund along with her husband Herman Ray. Edna Ray was a friend and nurse who worked with Teola Chandler Tillman. She was a firm believer in giving our youth the opportunity to seek higher education. She was the benefactor of scholarships, which allowed her to pursue a very successful career in Nursing. As a result her passion was for the student whom the scholarship would be need based with significant reference to great character based on the Poem “Brighten The Corner Where You Are”. In honor of Edna Ray the family has donated to the Chandler/Turner Scholarship Fund with great intention to help make a difference in the education and life of a student.

Eligible students must be:

• A graduating senior from high school.
• African American heritage.
• Possess an acceptance letter to an accredited post-secondary institution.
• The qualified types of schools are: Vocational, Community, or University.
• Lives in the Greater Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri area.

(All items must accompany the application for consideration).

The applicant must submit:

1. The completed online application online application
2. A typed 500-word essay stating their goals, objective and financial need for continuing their education as an African American student.
3. Two letters of recommendation from a counselor, teacher or professional associate.
4. A mailed official transcript/attach unofficial transcript.
5. A current photo
6. Proof of continued education enrollment (Acceptance Letter). ​
7. Current enrollment verification form from the higher education institution you are attending/will attend. Enrollment will be verified.

The application can be submitted online (preferred method) by applying below or if mailed it must be legible or typed and post marked on or before March 31st.

School Counselors, PLEASE feel free to pass our website link for the preferred online application process for qualifying students. Click on the CTS Application Form tab.

If mailed send the application packet to:
Chandler – Turner Scholarship
C/O Teri Tillman
PO Box 172241
Kansas City, KS 66117-1393

The Scholarships fall into categories derived from the vocations of the Chandler/Turner siblings who have passed on.

• The Marvin W. Chandler and The James Chandler Jr. Scholarships will be chosen for an athlete that has shown great leadership, commitment to academics and outstanding sportsmanship.
• The Eldora Chandler Gray & Roger L. Chandler Scholarships will be awarded to those youth that are community leaders / education majors.
• ​The Teola Chandler Tillman Scholarship is for a young person with the compassion to help and interested in the medical field with a strong emphasis in Nursing.

Awards are made exclusively from the determination of the Selection Committee. Our Selection Committee objectively analyzes each applicant against a set of criteria arriving at a consensual decision to select each winner that meets our mission and vision criteria. Our average awards: $500- $2,000.