Geary Community Schools Foundation has announced that Anson Jacobsen is the 3rd recipient of this loan program, established to bring more diversity to the classroom. Jacobsen is a 2021 Junction City High School (JCHS) graduate pursuing a degree in elementary education. He is attending Doane University in Doane, IA. He is the son of Aaron and Deborah Jacobsen of Junction City.
In high school, Jacobsen was a student-athlete, lettering in marching band, football, and swim team, while maintaining a GPA of 3.5. He was named to the Honor Roll and graduated Cum Laude. In his application, Jacobsen stated that the lack of male representation in elementary education, not only in Junction City but nationally, is glaring. “When I finish my education at Doane University, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather teach than Junction City. I want to be part of something great, and I can't think of anything more important than the continuing education and development of our young men and women.”
The Foundation's forgivable loan award recipients must have reached college sophomore status or higher in an accredited teacher preparation program. After completing the first year in the loan program, the recipient may apply for two additional annual awards for a total forgivable loan of up to $15,000, depending on their year of college. After graduation, if the individual is hired and teaches in USD 475 for one year, 25% of the loan will be forgiven; for two years, 35% of the loan will be forgiven; and for three years, the remainder of the loan is forgiven.
Support for this forgivable loan through the Geary Community Schools Foundation is made possible through generous gifts from memorials and individual contributors. For more information about the GCSF "Supporting A Diverse Staff: Loans for Aspiring Educators," visit usd475schoolfoundation.org or contact the foundation at [email protected].