Regional, State & National Scholarships
Year-Round
True Potential Scholarship (Varying Amounts)
Due: At least one month prior to beginning community college
Apply Online: https://truepotentialscholarship.org/aply-now-new/
Eligibility:
Must be an immigrant residing in Nebraska or Council Bluffs, IA
Wishing to attend a Community College in Nebraska or Council Bluffs, IA
Submit the following:
High School Transcript
Resume
One Letter of Recommendation
Personal Statement
January 5th
Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships ($500-$1,000)
Due: January 5th
Turn in to: Otoe County Extension Office, 620 1st St., Syracuse NE 68446
Eligibility:
Must be a current high school senior, graduating in spring of 2025 and attending college in fall of 2025 at an accredited university
Must have completed one year of 4-H and be a current 4-H member
Submit the following:
January 10th
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Due: January 10th
Apply Online: https://jackierobinson.org/apply/
Eligibility:
Be a graduating, minority high school senior
Be a United States citizen
Present evidence of financial need
Demonstrate a record of academic excellence
Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service
Plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university
Not possess a degree from, or be enrolled in, a 2 or 4–year college when applying
Submit the following items (included in application):
Official SAT and/or ACT test exam score from junior or senior year*
One recommendation
Demographics
High school information including an unofficial high school transcript
College plans
Test scores (AP, IB, PSAT, ACT, or SAT)
Activities and distinctions
Household information
Four essays
January 15th
Otoe County 4-H Foundation Scholarship ($1,500)
Due: January 15th
Mail to:
Nebraska Extension in Otoe County, P.O. Box 160, 620 1st Street, Syracuse, NE 68446
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior
Must be an Otoe County 4-H member
Submit the following items:
2 letters of recommendation with attached essay
Otoe County 4-H Foundation: Miyoshi-Smith Leadership Scholarship ($1000)
Submit by: January 15th
Mail to: Nebraska Extension in Otoe County, P.O. Box 160, 620 1st Street, Syracuse, NE 68446
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior
Must be an Otoe County 4-H member
Submit the following items:
Letter of recommendation
January 19th
Nebraska Broadcasters Association Foundation Scholarship ($1,000)
Submit by: January 19th
Apply online: https://ne-ba.org/uncategorized/nba-foundation-high-school-scholarship/
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior and Nebraska resident
Must be accepted at a NBAF-approved two or four-year Nebraska college, university or trade school as a full-time student
Must plan to study broadcast-related field
Must currently be working in a broadcast-related job or have some other related experience
Must exhibit professional aspirations in the broadcasting industry
Submit the following items:
Official high school transcript
2 letters of recommendation (1 must come from broadcast-related source)
Letters can be emailed to jim@nc-ba.org or mailed to: 11414 W. Center Rd., Suite 342, Omaha, NE 68144
January 31st
Norma Ross Walter Scholarship (First Place: $3,000, Second Place: $2,500, Third Place: $2,000)
Due: January 31st
Mail to: Norma Ross Walter Scholarship Program, The Willa Cather Foundation, 413 North Webster Street, Red cloud, NE 68970
Eligibility:
Must be a female graduating from a Nebraska high school
Must plan to major in English at accredited college or university
Selection is based on "intellectual promise, creativity, and character of the applicant."
Submit the following items:
High school transcript
3 letters of recommendation
Essay (see details in application)
February 1st
Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards ($4,000)
Due: February 1st
Eligibility:
Available to children and grandchildren (or step-children, step-grandchildren, or legal wards) of living Elks members (who joined prior o April 1st, 2016)
Must be high school senior planning to attend a U.S. accredited institution
Must take the ACT or SAT prior to December 31st
Must be used at an accredited U.S. college or university
If awarded, will be required to perform service once a year with an Elks Lodge during the four years receiving scholarship
Bill Lewis Scholarship ($5,000)
Due: February 1st
Apply online: https://form.jotform.com/243154899913166
Eligibility:
A senior in high school
Nebraska resident
Active in NSAA activities for a minimum of 3 years
Participation in a minimum of 2 NSAA sponsored activities anually
Attend an accredited post-secondary institution
Submit the following items:
Official documentation of ACT/SAT scores
Statement of financial need
High school transcript (sent directly from school - make sure to notify Mrs. Howell)
Head Start Scholarship ($5,000)
Due: February 1st
Turn in to: NIKI GEMAR, Board President Nebraska Head Start Association
Phone: 402.462.4187
Email: nehsainfo@gmail.com
Eligibility:
Nominee must have attended Head Start for at least one year
Must be scheduled to graduate from high school
Must be pursuing a post-secondary
education
Submit the following items:
Candidate must submit two letters of reference.
Letter of reference from someone who knows the candidate as a student (school
personnel preferred).
Letter of reference from someone who knows the candidate as a community
volunteer.
Share key details about your connection to Head Start and current educational environment.
Describe your volunteer contributions to Head Start, Early Head Start, or the community.
Provide a description of your educational and professional goals.
Please include a head shot photo
Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship (up to $6200)
Submit by: February 1st; FAFSA portion can be turned in until March 11th by 5pm
Apply online: https://app.buffettscholarships.org/
Eligibility:
Must be a resident of Nebraska
DACA, undocumented, or DACA-eligible students are eligible to apply
Must graduate from a Nebraska high school or earn a Nebraska GED
Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Must be a first-time freshman entering college
Dual enrollment credits while in HS are okay
Must plan to attend a Nebraska public college
Must have completed the FAFSA
FAFSA results must show financial need
Selection is based on:
Financial need
Academic merit
Personal essay
Strength of recommendations
February 15th
Hispanic Scholarship Fund ($500-$5,000)
Due: February 15th
Apply online: https://www.hsf.net/scholarship
Eligibility:
Must be of Hispanic Heritage
Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Must plan to enroll full time at accredited 4-year university
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, DACA or eligible non-citizen (as defined by FAFSA)
Must complete FAFSA
Nebraska School Counselor Association Scholarship ($500)
Due: February 15th
Turn in to: Nebraska School Counselor Association, PO Box 540153, Omaha, NE 68154
Eligibility:
Will attend an accredited post-secondary institution during 2025-2026 school year
Current GPA of 2.5 or greater
Submit the following items:
Application includes section to be completed by Mrs. Howell
One-page essay (500 words)
Topic: Talk about any K-12 School Counselor who has made a difference in your academic, career/post-secondary, and/or social-emotional development
February 24th
ARKS Jump Start Scholarship (Up to $22,000)
Due: February 24th
Apply online: https://akrs.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a209sw1zelzg?preview=1
Eligibility:
Must plan to pursue an Associate Degree in Ag Technology to prepare for a career as a John Deere Ag Technician
Submit application online
Other Details:
Covers up to 100% of tuition
Tool Bonus up to $6000
Jump Start Bonus up to $25000 (to assist with miscellaneous college expenses
Internship (work and get paid at an AKRS dealership while completing degree)
Credentials (Earn Associate Degree and become a Certified John Deere Technician
Guaranteed Employment (with AKRS upon graduation)
February 28th
Coyner & Donna Smith Diversity Scholarship ($15,000 per year)
Due: February 28th
Turn in online: https://smithscholarship.awardspring.com/
Eligibility:
No minimum GPA, SAT, or ACT requirements
Must be an ethnic minority
Must have a household income under $75,000
Must be a graduating senior from Nebraska
Must be planning to begin college next fall
Applicants do NOT need to be a US citizen
Submit the following items:
3 letters of recommendation
Essay
High School Transcript
Better Business Bureau Student of Integrity Scholarship ($2,000)
Due: February 28th
Eligibility:
Must be a Nebraska resident
Can not be immediate family or household member of BBB staff
Preference given for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch
Submit the following items:
March 1st
American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships (Varying amounts)
Due: March 1st
Mail to: Therese Juilfs, ALA Unit 100 Education Chairman, 557 Mohawk St., Syracuse NE 68446
Varying requirements
Consult website for details: www.nebraskalegionaux.net
Hagan Scholarship ($7,500 per semester for up to 8 semesters)
Due: March 1st
Turn in to: online application
Eligibility:
Must graduate from a public high school
Must have achieved at least 3.5 GPA
Must enroll in an eligible college or university the first semester following graduation
Must maintain a 4 year or less graduation schedule
Must work 240 hours prior to commencement of the fall semester in college
Applicant's Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2023 Federal Income Tax purposes must not have exceeded $100,000
Nebraska Academy of Sciences Scholarships (Varying amounts)
Due: March 1st
Mail to: Nebraska Academy of Sciences, Inc., Scholarship Application, PO Box 22988, Lincoln, NE 68542
Eligibility:
Loren Eisley ($500)
Available to any Nebraska high school senior who has been accepted to an accredited college or university
Marie and Howard J. Taylor Scholarship ($100)
Available to any Nebraska high school senior with a special interest in geology of Nebraska and the study of geology
Marian Schultz Memorial Environmental Scholarship ($750, awarded in odd number years)
Available to any Nebraska high school senior with special interest in prairie and soil conservation
Marian O. and Bertrand Schultz Scholarship ($750, awarded in even number years)
Available to any Nebraska high school senior with an interest in climate and environmental change
Robert S. Kubicek Memorial Scholarship ($500)
Available to any high school senior from Nebraska or Henry County High School (Paris, TN) or Colegio San Felipe High School (Arecibo, Puerto Rico) with an interest in business and the environment
Submit the following items:
Oxbow Animal Health Scholarship ($500)
Due: March 1st
Mail to: Oxbow Animal Health, Attention: Undergraduate Scholarship, 11902 S 150th St, Omaha, NE 68138
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior
Must plan to pursue a career in the companion animal industry
Must plan to attend a U.S. institution
Submit the following items:
Resume
2 letters of reference
Proof of high school senior status pending graduation
Proof of full-time enrollment at a college or university
Essay (300-500 words)
Topic: Explain why you want to pursue a career in the pet industry or the field of animal health.
March 10th
Frontier Cooperative Scholarship (up to $1,000)
Due: March 10th
Mail to: Frontier Cooperative, 333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior planning to enter a college or technical school in order to pursue an degree in an agricultural field
Must be the son or daughter of an active stock-holder of the Frontier Cooperative
Family must do a minimum of $5,000 in business with the Frontier Cooperative during the year
Must have demonstrated academic excellence
Must rank in top half of graduating class
Submit the following items:
Official transcript and ACT or SAT scores
March 14th
Nebraska Public Leadership Foundation Scholarship ($1,000)
Due: March 14th
Eligibility:
Must be a Nebraska senior in high school with plans to attend a college or university in Nebraska
Must have an interest in the area of becoming an educator
Must be enrolled full-time in a public school district. The school district must also be a member of the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NCHS is)
Must have at least a 3.0 GPA
Submit the following items:
Two letters of recommendation from educators
Your unofficial high school transcript
Resume
SENCA Community Leadership Scholarship ($500)
Due: March 14th
Mail to: SENCA Scholarship Committee, PO Box 646, Humboldt NE 68376
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior
Must live in Cass, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, or Richardson county
Must demonstrate a commitment to being a leader in the community
Submit the following items:
Completed application (form requires signature of school official)
March 15th
Lincoln Community Foundation Scholarship (Varying amounts)
Due: March 15th
Apply online: https://lcf.academicworks.com/opportunities/2066
Eligibility:
Varies by scholarship
Complete the following items:
Varies by scholarship
Whedon Memorial Scholarship ($1620)
Due: March 15th
Apply online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebCpAiwdomk3VDftn1wsL9mlt_G9t483sq94DQA59pYc8fcQ/viewform
Eligibility:
Must be a citizen of the United States and reside in Nebraska
Must be a high school senior planning to attend an accredited 4 year college or university
Must complete the application in its entirety, including relevant personal information, essays, and bibliography
Mayflower ancestry is NOT a requirement
Submit the following items:
Will Nutter Memorial Scholarship ($5,000)
Due: March 15th
Online application: click here
Eligibility:
Must be pursuing a career in the utility forestry or arboriculture industry
Must be a high school senior entering college or community college OR returning college students seeking a first bachelors degree or associates degree while attending an accredited US college or university
Submit the following items:
Essay
Current transcript
Proof of student membership in the International Society of Arboriculture
Two letters of recommendation or contact information for people who will provide them (one must be from your academic advisor)
Telephone Pioneer Association & Museum Scholarship ($1,000 per year for up to 4 years)
Due: March 15th
Turn in to: online application
Eligibility:
Must be a current graduating senior or former graduate of a public or private high school in select counties (Otoe, Nemaha, and Cass are included)
Must be pursuing undergraduate studies in any 2 or 4-year college, university, or community college
Financial need will be considered
Must maintain at least 2.5 GPA
Submit the following items:
High school transcript
Financial information that show Student Aid Index, which is on the FAFSA Submission Summary
Thomas C. Woods, Jr. Scholarship ($1,250 per semester for up to 4 years)
Due: March 15th
Turn in to: online application
Eligibility:
Current graduating senior of a public or private high school in select counties (Otoe, Nemaha, and Cass included)
Preference will be given to dependents of former Aliant/Alltel employees
Must be pursuing undergraduate studies at any university or college in US
Financial need will be considered
Must maintain 2.5 GPA or higher
Submit the following items:
High School transcript
Financial form that shows Student Aid Index, which is on the FAFSA Submission Summary
Reaching Your Potential Scholarship Education Quest ($6,800 per year for 4-year college; $3,300 per year for 2-year college)
Due: March 15th
Eligibility:
Needs-based
Must get referral from Mrs. Howell
**Reach out to Mrs. Howell with your interest in a referral for this scholarship.
March 16th
Scholarship Competition for Creative Writing ($1,500)
Due: March 16th
Turn in to: alyssasandmeierscholarship@yahoo.com (must be PDF or Word Doc)
Eligibility:
Must be senior who is planning to attend a Nebraska college
Submit the following items:
An original piece of creative writing in one of the following genres:
Poetry or song lyrics
Short fiction of all subgenres
Play, movie, or television script
Speech or letter
Memoirs or diary entry
Biography/autobiography
Personal essay
Other (must contact via email prior to submission)
Contact and school information
March 20th
Mattress Advisor's Sleep Science Scholarship ($1,000)
Due: March 20th
Apply online: https://www.mattressadvisor.com/sleep-scholarships/
Eligibility:
Must be enrolled in an accredited high school, college or university in the U.S.
Must be in final year of high school and enrolled at undergraduate level
Must be at least 16 years old
Must be in good standing
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Submit the following items:
Essay (1000-2000 words) answering the following questions:
What is the impact of poor sleeping habits on students and their ability to learn?
How can technology affect our sleep for better or worse?
What can students do to improve their sleeping quality?
March 29th
Lincoln Builders Bureau Scholarship Program ($750)
Due: March 29th
Mail application to: Lincoln Builders Bureau, 5910 S 58th St Suite C, Lincoln NE 68516
Eligibility:
An employee or dependent of an employee of a Lincoln Builders Bureau member company
Enrolled or planning to enroll as an undergraduate in the upcoming year of an accredited college, university, or trade school with a focus on construction science
Submit the following items:
April 1st
James M. Cox Foundation Scholarship ($2,000)
Due: April 1st
Mail application to: Steve Otto, James M. Cox Foundation, 1500 Kingston Rd., Lincoln NE 68506
Eligibility:
Reside in the eastern third of Nebraska
Demonstrate financial need
Demonstrate a likelihood of academic success in chosen field of study
Attend a Nebraska-based institution of higher learning
Submit the following items:
Transcript
Two letters of recommendation from instructors, advisors, or counselors
Essay
Lofte Community Theatre Scholarship ($500)
Due: April 1st
Apply online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYE99Swh03MKP-n18ZEoeaf2MmPSGXyXG0AQtWDdxJEnVJrg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
Eligibility:
Must have been a "Born-in-a-barn" player or have volunteered at the Lofte Theatre
Submit the following items:
Essay question
Mattress Nerd's Sustainability Scholarship ($1000)
Due: April 1st
Apply online: https://www.mattressnerd.com/scholarship/
Eligibility:
Must plan to enroll as a full-tie student at an accredited U.S. college or university
Domestic, international and undocumented student MAY apply
Applicant must promote positive environmental change
Submit the following items:
Completed online application
Essay (500-2000 words) answering the following questions:
What choices can we make as consumers to reduce our carbon footprint?
What reuse and recycle innovations do you think are leading the change in business environmental conscientiousness?
What have you altered about your own day-to-day life to reduce your own environmental impact?
Proof of enrollment or acceptance letter from an accredited institution
Nebraska Agri-Women Scholarship ($250)
Submit by: April 1st
Mail to: Mary Ann Jansen, 20801 Ruff Road, Gretna, NE 68028-7226
Eligibility:
Plan to study agriculture-related field at a college or technical trade school in Nebraska
Must earn C average in first semester of college in order to receive scholarship money
Submit the following items:
Completed application
Essay (Maximum of 250 words)
Topic: Describe why agriculture is important to you.
Resume
April 4th
Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation Scholarship ($2,000)
Due: April 4th
Mail to: Carriage House Foundation, 701 S. 13th St., Lincoln NE 68508
Eligibility:
Must plan to attend a Nebraska Community College in the fall of 2024
Must be planning to enroll in one of the automotive-related courses of study
Submit the following items:
A cover letter indicating the applicant's interest in the automotive field and their plan for technical training
A letter of recommendation from at least one teacher describing the applicant's aptitude and attitude
A transcript
Complete an interview with a new car dealer (optional)
Reference letter from a new car dealer (optional)
April 15th
Due: April 15th
Mail to: Kids' Chance of Nebraska, c/o Karen Stricklett, PO Box 89310, Sioux Falls, SD 57109-9310
Eligibility:
Must be between 16 and 25 years old
Must have a high school diploma, GED or be a graduating senior
Must be the dependent of a parent who suffered either an employment-related fatality or injuries that have had a significant adverse effect on family income
Must be planning to attend a vocational school, technical school, junior college, undergraduate or graduate institution
Submit the following items:
Completed application
2 letters of recommendation (cannot be from relatives)
Narrative (maximum of 2 pages)
Topic: Describe your parent's employment-related accident, its personal/economic impact on you and your family, and why the scholarship will help you attain your educational goals.
Copy of first report of injury, if available
Provide short description of parents employment at time of injury if first report is not available
Copy of FAFSA
Student Aid Report (if possible) from FAFSA processing center
Financial Aid Award letter and student account statement from educational institution
April 23rd
Student-View Scholarship ($5,000, $1,000 or $500)
Submit by: April 23
Submit online: http://www.student-view.com/
Eligibility
Must be a high school senior
Scholarship will be awarded via a random drawing
Submit the following items:
15 to 20 minute application survey about colleges in your area
May 1st
American College Foundation - Visionary Scholarship ($1,000-$5,000)
Due: May 1st
Mail to: American College Foundation, 955 Massachusetts Ave #525, Cambridge, MA 02139-3233
or
Email to: Admin@AmericanCollegeFoundation.org
Eligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
May be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior to apply
Submit the following items:
Most recent unofficial high school transcript
Essay (500 words, typed, double spaced)
The Norden Club of Lincoln Scholarship (up to $2000)
Due: May 1st
Mail or email application to: Doug Lind-Olson, 7620 Vine Street, Lincoln NE 68505 OR email lennelson59@gmail.com
Eligibility:
Applicant should reside within a 100-mile radius of Lincoln, NE.
Award money must be applied to the enhancement of learning and exploring more about a Scandinavian country or heritage. (Scandinavian countries include: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden)
Submit the following items:
Essay: 250-300 words outlining how you intend to use the funds and how your learning experience will benefit the Norden Club of Lincoln
June 19th
BigSun Scholarship ($500)
Due: June 19th
Email to: athleticawards@bigsunathletics.com
Eligibility:
All student athletes are eligible regardless of sport
Must be graduating senior planning to enroll in a post-secondary institution
Submit the following items:
Send essay (500-1000 words) to: athleticawards@bigsunathletics.com
Answer the following questions:
How did your participatio in sports during high school influence you?
Has your participation influenced your career goals?
Has your participation influenced how you relate to your family?
BigSun Scholarship ($500)
Due: June 19th
Email to: athleticawards@bigsunathletics.com
Eligibility:
All student athletes are eligible regardless of sport
Must be graduating senior planning to enroll in a post-secondary institution
Submit the following items:
Send essay (500-1000 words) to: athleticawards@bigsunathletics.com
Answer the following questions:
How did your participatio in sports during high school influence you?
Has your participation influenced your career goals?
Has your participation influenced how you relate to your family?
November 15th
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship ($1,000-$12,500 per year)
Due: November 15th
Apply online: enf.elks.org/MVS
Eligibility:
Must be pursuing a four-year degree
Must be enrolled full time (minimum of 12 hours per semester) in a U.S. college or university
November 30th
Martha and Don Romeo Scholarship ($500)
Due: November 30th
Mail to: Otoe County Extension Office, 620 1st Street, Syracuse, NE 68447
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior currently attending high school in Nebraska planning to attend a post-secondary institution in the fall
Must have exhibited 4-H projects in a county fair or the Nebraska State Fair within the last 4 years
Must have demonstrated support for school and community
Must exhibit desire to achieve goals
Financial need will be considered
Submit the following items:
Completed application (including essays)
December 14th
Burger King Scholarship ($1,000-$50,000)
Due: December 31st
Apply online: https://www.scholarsapply.org/burgerkingscholars/
Eligibility:
The BURGER KINGâ„ Scholars program assists employees, employees' spouses or domestic partners, employees' children and high school seniors in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada in continuing their education. (scholarshipsapply.org/burgerkingscholars)
Recipients are selected based on GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities and community service
Due: December 1st
Apply online: https://www.nhs.us/students/the-nhs-scholarship/
Eligibility:
Must be a senior member of an active National Honor Society chapter
Complete application online:
Deadlines Vary
American Legion Department of Nebraska Scholarships (Varying amounts)Varying due dates and eligibility requirements
See website for details
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarships (Varying amounts)
Varying Due Dates
Apply online: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
Eligibility:
Must be a graduating senior, receiving diploma during current academic year
Must fall into the category of U.S. citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrants or Humanitarian Parolees-Based on guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
Must be planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
Applicants may not be:
Children or grandchildren of employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Company divisions or subsidiaries
International students
High school graduates
Temporary residents
Horatio Alger State Scholarships
Application is open annually, deadlines vary
Apply online: https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/
Eligibility:
Variety of scholarships available, see website for eligibility requirements