Local Scholarships
NRCSA Scholarships: Students planning to become teachers or other related occupations, such as counselors or media specialists may apply for these scholarships. Turn your application into Mrs. Forch by January 15.
Only one female and one male application per school will be accepted for the NRCSA Scholarships.
Gary Fisher Fine Arts Scholarship: NRCSA created the Gary Fisher Fine Arts Scholarship in 2003 for those students who excel in fine arts and are planning to major in fine arts in college. Turn your application into Mrs. Forch by January 15.
Only one application per school will be accepted for the Gary Fisher Fine Arts Scholarship. Turn your applications into Mrs. Forch by Scholarship forms are available through the links above and on-line at www.nrcsa.net Forms must be filled out electronically and printed.
Martha and Don Romeo Scholarship - Due November 30 - The Nebraska Association of Fair Managers will award a $500 scholarship to one qualifying 4-H male and a $500 scholarship to one qualifying 4-H female who are graduating seniors in the State of Nebraska and who plan to continue with post high school education. The scholarship will be awarded at the annual NAFM convention in January.
Each applicant must have exhibited his/her 4-H projects in a County Fair or at the State Fair within the last four years.
Each applicant must hold a 2.5 high school grade point average (based on a 4.0 system).
Each applicant must also maintain a 2.5 grade point average for the first semester in college and carry at least 12 credit hours.
Each applicant must agree to apply the scholarship funds for tuition or fees at a two or four year college or its equivalent, to be judged by the committee.
Each applicant must have demonstrated support for his/her school and community.
Each applicant must exhibit during the application process a desire to achieve the goals of which he/she is capable.
Financial need will not be considered in the selection process.
One male and/or female finalist will be selected by the 4-H award committee in each local Extension Office.
Recipients are requested to personally accept the award at the Nebraska Fair Managers Convention.
Application must be typed. You will be submitting three (3) pages of information along with 2 letters of recommendation.
Return completed application to your local County Extension Office by November 30
Great Plains Communications Customer Scholarship - $1000, $2,500 & $5,000 scholarships for graduating seniors who are customers of Great Plains Communications. Must be accepted for admission at a state or private college or two-year trad or tech school of their choice. Deadline February 1
Bill Lewis Scholarship - 2 $5,000 scholarships for students who participated in at least 2 NSAA Activities for all 4 years of high school.
Sydney Loofe Memorial Scholarship - Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher • Demonstrate plans to attend an institution of higher learning in the areas of sociology/criminal justice, social work or cyber safety. • Eligible High Schools: Nebraska High Schools (Public or Private)
MNB Homegrown Leaders Scholarship Award - The MNB HomeGrown Leaders Scholarship Award is available for area High School Seniors pursing higher education. The $500 scholarships will be awarded to the students who best exemplify the commitment, passion and perseverance of a community leader. Applications are available online at: www.MNB.bank/scholarship OR printed copies are available from Mrs. Forch. Applications must be postmarked by March 1 and sent to:
MNB Bank For questions contact: marketing@mnb.bank OR
Scholarship Committee call (308) 345-4240
PO Box 1208
McCook, NE 69001
McCook Foundation Scholarships - Must be planning to attend MPCC- Due March 1
McCook Discovery Career Day Scholarship - Community Hospital is offering this scholarship for those seniors interested in pursuing a college education in healthcare. Funds will be paid to your college to help cover tuition costs. Click on the link to see all the information.
VFW Scholarship - For students with parents, grandparents or family members who have served in the military.
Nebraska Legion: Various scholarships include: American Legion Baseball Player of the Year Scholarship, American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship, Edgar J. Boschult Memorial Scholarship, Jim Hurlbert Memorial Baseball Scholarship, Maynard Jensen American Legion Memorial Scholarship, Nebraska High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest, and Samsung American Legion Scholarship. Deadlines Vary
American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships - Due March 1 Information can be found at: https://www.alaforveterans.org/scholarships/
Various award amounts, Need Veteran connection, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Narrative, Activity Resume, Letter of Acceptance, HS Transcript, and FAFSA-Student Aid report.
Mail to American Legion Aux Unit 65: JoAnn Decker, 722 Dakota Street, Benkelman NE 69021
Career & Technical Education Scholarship (see form for detailed applicant requirements)
Nebraska American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Scholarship (see form for detailed applicant requirements)
Healthcare Professionals Scholarship (enrolling in a 4 year healthcare professional program)
ASQ Section 1302 Phil Shanline Scholarship: This scholarship is open to any student who will be attending any post-secondary institution in pursuit of a Certificate, Diploma or Degree. Applicants must be residents of, or attending a learning institution within, the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas or South Dakota. A total of three scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $2500. Due March 15
Nebraska Aviation Trades Association Scholarship. Due March 15 - Please contact Taylor below with any questions:
Taylor Moore, Account Executive taylor@youraam.com
Nebraska Aviation Trades Association
(402) 761-2216
WESTERN NEBRASKA ADMINISTRATORS’ (WNA) EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP - Due March 15
Students must graduate from a high school whose administrator is a paid member of WNA. (Check with Superintendent to assure paid membership)
YPG-Young Professionals Group - Due March 15 Information can be found at: http://www.mccookchamber.com/ $500 to a student attending Mid-Plains Community College in McCook, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis or the McCook Beauty Academy
St. John Commandery -York Rite of Freemasonry - St. John Commandery No. 16, Knights Templar, of McCook, NE awards 5 ($1000) to area graduating seniors. Special emphasis on citizenship, morals, scholarship, community activities, leadership, general deportment, and need. Both forms must be signed by school administrator. Must have a "C" average over the course of high school. Due March 31 - Application mailed to: St. John Commandery; Scholarship Committee; PO Box 962; McCook, NE 69001
Davis Chambers Community College Scholarship - Must attend one of the following schools: Central Community College, Metropolitan Community College, Mid-Plains Community College, Northeast Community College, Southeast Community College, or Western Nebraska Community College -Due April 1
*Esther Isaac Scholarship - 1 ($600) award per year. Preference given to students who attend a secondary school with a religious affiliation. Due April 1 to Mrs. Forch
*Lazy Double J Scholarship - Resident of Dundy County, senior, graduating May 2021, from Dundy County Stratton High School, maintained no less than a “C” average throughout four years of high school, be of good character and standing within your school and community, and intended course of study in Agriculture -- $400 - Due April 1 Applications can be mailed to:
Betty Jessee
P O Box 503
Imperial, NE 69033-0503
*Albert G and Bernice F. Hansen Charitable Foundation Scholarship - $4,000 - Due April 1 to Mrs. Forch 1 time award. You must read and follow all 13 scholarship guidelines or the committee will not consider your application. Cannot receive in combination with Regents, Susan Thompson Buffet, or any other full tuition scholarship as it creates problems for the Hansen Foundation.
*Haven and Virginia Smith - 1 $3,000 scholarship to a graduating senior. Must attend a college, university, community college or trade school in the state of Nebraska. Scholarship money can only be used for tuition, fees, and/or books. Good for one year only, half during fall semester and the other half for spring semester. Must write an essay on who Haven and Virginia Smith were and a challenge you have experienced - Due April 1 to Mrs. Forch
Lois Jay Goold Memorial Scholarship -
This scholarship will be awarded annually to students who are a resident of southwestern Nebraska. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and be pursuing an undergraduate degree with a focus on STEM or vocational certification. Preference may be given to a student studying machine tool operations, skilled trades, or mechanical design technology. Due April 1
There is an online application that can be accessed here: Memorial Scholarship Fund | Louis Jay Goold Memorial Scholarship
Helena Homegrown Scholarship - $1,000 scholarship - Must be pursuing a degree in agriculture - Due April 1
Ag Valley - $500 - Due April 3 - Visit their website, www.agvalley.com Return completed applications to: Ag Valley Co-op; Attention: Nikki Marquez; PO Box 68; Edison, NE 68936
Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation Scholarship - This is for students planning on attending one of Nebraska's Community Colleges to study in an automotive related field. Due April 8, 2022
Eastern Star Scholarship - Amount Varies, Due April 15
No need to have a Masonic relative to apply,
Mail to: Linda Buck 312 East 1st, McCook, NE 69001
NSASSP Region V Scholarship - $500 - Due April 19
The members of NSASSP Region V want to encourage a lasting legacy of educational leaders in our area. To help offset the cost of attending a post-secondary institute, the group will award three $500 scholarships or $1500 total to be dispensed among up to three qualifying applicants.
Diane Towery Scholarship: - Due April 20 - The Diane Towery Memorial Scholarship is a $500 scholarship for a McCook area community
member going into the nursing field. For the school year 2024/2025, an additional memorial of
$500 has been made available for a total award of $1000. The scholarship will be awarded based
upon need, at the sole discretion of the Hillcrest Foundation. One scholarship will be awarded
each year until the funds are expended at which time the scholarship will cease.
Herbert J Hughes Memorial Trust-$500- Due April 24
Pursue degree in agriculture
St. Joseph's Knights of Columbus - May 1 deadline See Mrs. Forch for an application
Must be a Catholic senior, must be a Knights member or have a father that is a member; submit essay and application to Patrick Lorens
Farm Bureau - 2 scholarships available - $450 + $60 membership fee for 1 year - Must be a resident of Dundy County - Due April 15
Jim Johnson Scholarship - $500 scholarship annually to a high school senior that will be pursuing a career in one of the physical sciences, (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, as well as Earth Sciences including geology, hydrology, meteorology, oceanography, and soil science). The scholarship is also open to those going into the teaching profession in the physical sciences. Due April 30th Applications should be sent to:
National Weather Service
ATTN: Jeremy Martin
920 Armory Road
Goodland, Kansas 67735
Dundy County Stratton Education Association Scholarship (DCSEAS) - For students seeking a degree in the field of education. Due May 1 to Mrs. Forch
Dundy County Men's Club Scholarship- 2 @$750 Due May 1
Email application & resume to: morgan.l.burrell@gmail.com
OR
Send Application & Resume to:
Dundy County Men's Club
PO Box 223
Benkelman, NE 69021
Stratton Community Foundation - Due April 15
Must reside in original Stratton School District, strong desire to return to hometown, financial need. See Mrs. Forch for an application.
*Nancy Mossburgh Scholarship - $500 - Due April 15
Active in at least one CSO Group, Essay. Please return application and essay to Mrs. Forch.
Dundy County Stratton Alumni Association Scholarship - This scholarship established by the Dundy County Stratton Alumni Association is intended to give assistance to two graduating Dundy County Stratton High School seniors. The sum of $500 will be deposited to the school of each recipient’s choice at the beginning of the first semester where he/she is a full-time student. (**You must download first and then fill out the fillable application. Follow the directions at the bottom of the scholarship application on how to submit this specific application**)
The recipient must meet the following requirements:
1) maintained a 2.0 average throughout all four years of high school
2) submit a 250-word typed essay highlighting how he/she will become a person
who will be a contributing citizen in any community including career plans
3) submit a 100-word typed paragraph on his/her financial need for college
4) attend the alumni banquet
BWTelcom Community Partners Scholarship - $1,000 - Due May 1. Application must be TYPED. Complete essays in a Word Document on a separate paper and include a current photo. Must be emailed to laurin@bwtelcom.net mailed to BWTelcom; PO Box 645; Benkelman, NE 69021
*Eldon Hardwick Scholarship - $500 - Due May 1
Intend to study Ag, C average, good character and standing
*Gary Stamm Memorial Scholarship - Due May 1
4-H Participation: Submit essay on "How did participating in 4-H enhance your life" in sealed envelope.
JSE Seeds Pioneer Seed - $500 - Due May 1
Two-page essay, ag-related field
Priorities in Community (PinC Ladies) - $250- Due May 1
Essay, recommendation, GPA, Community Involvement
*Walter and Dee Fries Memorial Scholarship - $500 - Due May 1 to Mrs. Forch
MCC Davis Chambers Community College Scholarship: The Davis Chambers Scholarship Program has been established to recognize academically - promising students from diverse backgrounds. Awardees will receive up to $2,000.00 per academic year.
Weight Buffet Scholarship - 2 $500 scholarships - April 1 - Mail applications to Davina Sanford PO Box 773 Benkelman, NE 69021
Music Booster Scholarship - Due May 4
Must take music in college
Justice Lodge #180 - 3 @ $1500- Due May 1
Attend accredited college, membership in school and community organizations, write a brief explanation of the Masonic principles.
Lincoln Builders Bureau Scholarship Program - $750 Due April 1
Applicants must be an employee of a Lincoln Builders Bureau member company, or the dependent of an employee,
Applicants must be 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.
For company eligibility, go to www.buildersbureau.com (click on Scholarships and Membership Search to verify). Submit applications to: Lincoln Builders Bureau, 5910 S 58th St, Suite C, Lincoln, NE 68516
GT Memorial Scholarship - $500 Due April 1st to Mrs. Forch or mail to: Susan Todd 351 North Arapahoe Wauneta, NE 69045. Your application should include:
1) A completed application page
2) typed essay questions
3) a resume that includes your high school extracurricular & academic
involvements & achievements & your community involvement & service,
4) your current high school transcript, and 5) a letter of recommendation.
John and Margaret McDonald Memorial Scholarship - $500 - Due May 1st For a Dundy County Stratton High School graduate pursuing an Education and/or Writing/Speech degree. Application and essay can be emailed to Mrs. Forch: kforch@dcstigers.org
Jim Hurlbert Memorial Baseball Scholarship - $500 Due June 15 Awarded for one year and are nonrenewable. Open to Nebraska American Legion Baseball players in their last year of eligibility or graduating senior. Must submit a copy of completed scholarship application, completed financial statement, certification blocks must be signed by school official, applicant and parent/guardian, and 3 letters of recommendations. Completed applications must be mailed to: Jim Hurlbert Memorial Scholarship PO Box 5205 Lincoln, NE 68505-0205
Scholarship winners will be notified via mail by August 1
Midwest Liberty Federal Credit Union - Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded - Due March 29 Entitled the Youth Education Advancement Scholarship. Must be a member of Midwest Liberty Federal Credit Union, between the ages of 16-21, and pursuing a secondary education for the 2023-2024 school term. Apply by submitting a 500-word essay typewritten on "If you could start a business, what would it be, why, and where would it be located?" Names may only be on the cover page and may not be mentioned in the essay---cover letter is included!
Marilyn Spiker/Sheila Massey Memorial Scholarship - $1,000 - Due March 1 Must be a female enrolling in an ag related field an will be in their first or second year of college. For more information and a scholarship form go to: https://www.nationalwife.org/fae Applications can be sent to Ardyth Anderson, 31260 Road S, Clay Center, NE 68933 OR Pam Potthoff, 35807 Drive 714, Trenton, NE 69044
Red Willow Chemical Scholarship - One $1,500 scholarship, one $1,000 scholarship and two $500 scholarships as well as paid internships available for students who are energetic, interested in agronomy, chemical sales, and/or other ag related courses and aviation. Send a resume and short essay about you and your future plans. Due March 1st Can submit by email to: awinder@rwchemical.com or by mail to: Ashley Winder PO Box 444 McCook, NE 69001
FRANK & BETTY POTTHOFF MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - SWPPD would like to award the first scholarship for the Fall semester of 2023. Applicants must have their essays submitted by May 31, 2023 in order to be eligible. Please contact Frank Bonini at (308)285-3295, or frankb@swppd.com, with questions.
Nebraska VFW Scholarship - Numerous scholarships worth $500+. Due March 31 Application, instructions and information is provided in the link. You may also pick up an application from Mrs. Forch.
Nebraska Press Association Foundation - For Journalism OR Ag Communication Students. Due March 17
Better Business Bureau (BBB) is happy to announce that the BBB Education Foundation will again offer its BBB Student of Integrity Awards Scholarships for high school seniors in our service area. Click the link for the application.
Six high school seniors from Nebraska/Southwest Iowa – 3 from Metro Omaha/Southwest Iowa and 3 from Metro Lincoln/Greater Nebraska - will each be granted $2,000 college scholarships. These awards are not based on ethnicity, need or grade point average. They recognize students who exemplify ethical behavior and personal integrity, and who demonstrate humility, courage, compassion and respect for their peers, teachers and community — values of the BBB.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 24, 2023
Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association - The Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association will award a $250 scholarship to a student intending to study theater at any college. The student must be a high school senior or graduate. Due April 30