The Dole Institute of Politics announced 128 new Senator Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholars for the 2008-09 academic year.

The program recognizes graduating Kansas high school students who have volunteered in their communities and maintained a grade point average of at least 3.0. The students receive a $1,000 scholarship, renewable up to three years with a commitment of completing 100 hours of civic activities annually.

The new scholars will enroll this fall at one of the six Kansas Board of Regents universities or Washburn University in Topeka.

The scholarship program encourages young Kansans to get involved in politics, government and community service.

Funded by NASA, the scholarships are distributed among the state’s four congressional districts.