Scholarship Opportunities

Below are the other "local area scholarships" (that don't use the comprehensive application): 

Most of the applications in this area are there for you in a  .pdf format.  To make it so you can "write" or type on these documents - students when you click on them be sure to:

 1/ open it at the top with Kami or "annotate with Kami" 

2/ then on the left hand side click on text

3/ Create a copy for yourself and rename it with your initials and the name of the scholarship  

Scholarship Interviews  - tips and practice questions

I know this is really more about FAFSA than scholarships but 

it's still need to know info.

This is a really good article from one of our friends at Educationquest with a few of my own tips thrown in!  All the helpful resource links have been updated...

Things you didn't know about the FAFSA!

By Jacquie Butler in FAFSA on October 4, 2022

Seniors, you’ve been hearing a lot about the FAFSA these days, but there is some key information that you may not be aware of when it comes to completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Becoming familiar with how the process works and what information is required from you and your parents will make the FAFSA filing process a whole lot easier!

Do you need money for college?

The FAFSA is your application to be considered for grants, work-study, and federal student loans. The form is open now for the 2023-24 academic year, so you’re submitting it almost a year before starting college.  It’s always best to get the FAFSA submitted as soon as possible to be considered for the best financial aid package you’re eligible to receive.

edit - Mrs. H's TIP #1  Be sure that you are on the right website - there are a lot of ones that look similar and they are waiting to still your identity and scam you!

edit - Mrs. H's TIP #2  Haven't applied for admission to the colleges you are looking at yet?  No worries you can list up to ten schools on the FAFSA - that way they all get your info and can prepare a financial aid offer for you.  KEEP IN MIND THOUGH...if you haven't completed your admissions application yet - most schools will not process your FAFSA (or offer you financial aid) until you have done that and been officially accepted..

Before completing the FAFSA…

You’ll need to create a student aid account at StudentAid.gov.  Both the student and one custodial parent will each need a unique account. Write those usernames and passwords down and keep them in a safe place as they contain personal information that you don’t want others to get their hands on! The usernames and passwords will be used for logging into the FAFSA and other related tasks.

Pro-tip for students: Do not use your school email address when creating your account since you won’t have access to that email after graduating from high school.  If you don’t have a personal email, now is the time to create one for all things college related.

If your parent has an existing account, they don’t need to create a new one. Just make sure they confirm that they can get into the account as some are locked out due to security reasons.

What information is required for the FAFSA?

There are approximately 108 questions on the FAFSA that need to be answered. 

Pro-tip for students:Use the Checklist to make sure you gather everything you’ll need

to complete and submit your FAFSA. Student information is always needed, and parent

information is required if you’re a dependent student. 

On the second page of the FAFSA Checklist, you’ll find questions to determine if you’re a dependent or independent student. If you answer “no” to all of the questions, you’re considered dependent and must provide parent information on the FAFSA.

What can I expect after the FAFSA is submitted?

Approximately three-five days after you submit the FAFSA you will receive an email from Federal Student Aid. The email confirms that your information was sent to the college(s) you listed on the FAFSA. The email also provides a link to the Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is important for several reasons:

• Indicates if you are eligible for Pell Grant

• Announces if you are selected for verification

• Required for some need-based scholarships 

edit - Mrs. H's TIP #3   If you don't receive a SAR within 7-10 days make sure you are checking back at your student portal and with your student email accounts at the colleges you are accepted at (not your HS email address) - you may have been selected for verification.  The college(s) will not process your financial aid if you are ignoring their requests and you will be stuck in limbo forever unless you follow up and send them the info they have requested.

What is verification?

A small percentage of students who file the FAFSA will be selected for verification to ensure that information is being reported correctly. If selected, don’t panic – it doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong! The college(s) will request documentation of some of your FAFSA information. Watch your email and student portals for directions from the college(s) and respond ASAP as colleges will not offer financial aid until the verification process is completed.

Expect Financial Aid Offers

The colleges you listed on your FAFSA will notify you with a detailed list of the types and amounts of financial aid they’re offering. These offers will come via postal mail, email, or your college-based student portal. Keep in mind, you will only receive offers from the colleges that accepted you for admission.

Contact the EducationQuest office nearest you to ask questions or to schedule a FREE appointment to get help completing the FAFSA.

Free FAFSA Tools @ Educationquest.org

If you’re apprehensive about completing the FAFSA or have questions about the process, Educationquest has several resources to help you:

• FAFSA Checklist – lists items needed for the FAFSA

• FAFSA Demo – six-part video series that walks you through the FAFSA

• College Funding Estimator – estimates your FAFSA results 

                     (make sure you use the top one for the year you will be in college)

November Scholarship Deadlines

RHOP / KHOP @ Univ of Ne @ Kearney, Chadron State College, Peru State College, & Wayne State College  

Deadline: November 15 - December 1st 

This is the Rural Health Opportunities program that grants full tuition scholarship for your undergraduate program at one of the above listed school and then guarantees you admission into either UNMC or Creighton depending on the program that you are in. 

* NOT all FCHS students can apply --  if you have an Omaha address you are ineligible

There are a few slots available in some of the following programs at the various campuses: -Medical Laboratory Science, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant and Radiography programs.

• Programs at CSC 

• Programs at WSC 

• Programs at PSC

• Programs at UNK

RLOP  / KLOP @ Univ of Nebraska @ Kearney, Chadron State College, & Wayne State College 

Deadline: November 15 - December 1st 

This is the Rural Law Opportunities program that grants full tuition scholarship for your undergraduate program at the above listed school and 

then guarantees you admission into UNL's Law program upon completion of your undergrad program. 

*NOT all FCHS students can apply --  if you have an Omaha address you are ineligible

December Scholarship Deadlines

Wayne State College Scholarships - due December 1st

Hagan Scholarship 

Deadline: December 1st  |  National 

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide, need based, merit scholarship.

Each scholarship will help pay the unmet financial need of the recipient, up to $5,000 each semester.  Some specific criteria -- but this is a good one!!!

We have had winners of this one before - it's a good one!!!

https://haganscholarships.org/

* Applicants must attend an eligible HS - you do because FCHS is! 

* Applicant’s Household Income reported for Federal Income Tax Purposes must not exceed $85,000.

* Applicant must work at 240 hours in the 12 months leading up to college enrollment

* Must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA in HS

* Must apply to an eligible college / university - list on the website

BURGER KING Scholars Program

The number of applications accepted is capped at 50,000 - hurry & get yours in!

Deadline: December 15th  |  National

Click HERE to apply!

Integrity, high standards, entrepreneurial spirit, good citizenship and education: those were the values that defined BURGER KING® co-founder James W. McLamore. They helped realize his dream—and they are the core of the BURGER KING McLAMORE Foundation.  

HS seniors are invited to apply for one of the 500 $1,000 Burger King HS Seniors Scholarships if they have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent; demonstrate community involvement through volunteering, sports, clubs and/or religious organizations; and plan to enroll full-time in 2023-24 at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.  

Then three of those students who have at least a 3.5 GPA or higher will be eligible to win the top award - one of the $50,000 James W. McLamore WHOPPER® scholarship

Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program

Deadline: December 16th  |  National

Click HERE to apply!

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of: Academic record; Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities; Work experience; Unusual personal or family circumstances; and a custom essay.  Financial need will be required. Applicants must have financial need. Essay Topic “The Equitable Excellence Scholarship is designed to inspire and empower individuals to be a Force for Good in their communities while investing in their future success. Please share how you are demonstrating courage, and plan to display strength and/or share wisdom with others in pursuit of achieving your dreams and making a positive impact in your local community and beyond. Please be specific about how you intend to continue your positive journey with assistance from the scholarship.”

Scott Scholars Program @ UNO

December 31st deadline

Students interested in applying for the prestigious Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship need to meet the following requirements:

GPA of 3.5 or greater and an ACT composite score of 30 or greater

Two Teacher Recommendations

Applicants must also be a Nebraska Resident who is interested in one of these STEM majors at UNO - click HERE or the majors list and more info

Nebraska Aviation Trades Association Scholarship

Deadline: December 31st |  State

Click HERE to apply!

This scholarship application requires an essay (a minimum of 400 words) and it must be typed and double spaced. The topic this year is "What role does ag aviation play in producing a local commodity?"   Your application must also include the signature of a Voting member of the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association - there is a list of members attached at the end of the application to assist you in connecting with one of those people. 

January Scholarship Deadlines

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 5th  |  National

Additional info, eligibility requirements, and a link to the application are available HERE. 

High school seniors nationwide who demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship are invited to apply for the 2023 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program. This program annually provides college-bound students with $10,000 renewable scholarships - up to $40,000 total per recipient - and supports them as they lead and serve in college and beyond.

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Deadline: January 9th  |  National

Details can be found HERE

Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential and make an impact on their communities through service to others. To be eligible, applicants must be 1) U.S. citizens, 2) Black/African American, and 3) current high school seniors at the time of their application.  Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement, exhibit leadership ability, participate in community service activities and have a demonstrated financial need.

Josie Harper Nurses Scholarships - @ College of Saint Mary 

Deadline: January 9th

Click HERE for more information & to get the application form!

This scholarship provides significant financial support for 25 students who plan to enroll into the Nursing program at the College of Saint Mary.  In order to be eligible to apply for this scholarship, a student must: Be accepted either the Pre-Nursing program or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program as a new student beginning in August 2023. Applicants must also demonstrate high financial need (Federal Pell Grant or other eligibility criteria) and meet at least one of the following:

• First generation (defined as neither parent earning at least a bachelor’s degree)

• A person of color

• A Student parent

Black Wolves Army ROTC Scholarship

Deadline: January 10th  

Details can be found HERE

**Why Black Wolves ROTC**

Army ROTC provides approximately $2 million in full tuition scholarships to students at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Bellevue University every year!

• Reserve Officer Training Corps creates 70% of the officers who serve in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserves every year.

• We produce leaders that perform well above the standard in GPA, Physical fitness, and Leadership.

• We send cadets to specialty schools such as Airborne, Air Assault, and Combat Diver Qualification Course.

• Cadets travel the world with Internships and Leadership Programs.  

• Our compact unit size means hands-on development from highly qualified Officers and Noncommissioned Officers.

• Get involved with community volunteer opportunities, intramural teams, and ranger challenge teams.

Scholarship Benefits: 1/ 100% Tuition and Fees (3 – 4y Scholarships)    2/ $1200/yr Book Allowance   3/ Monthly Stipend of $420/month    *** Note: Creighton University offers FREE room/board for students awarded Scholarship.

“National Scholarship Process” Timeline:

Initiate Online Application as early as July 15th the summer before you start your Senior Year.   The earlier the Scholarship application is completed the better the chances for a 4 year scholarship. Students must complete the online application by Jan 10th of Senior Year to be considered.hips)    2/ $1200/yr Book Allowance   3/ Monthly Stipend of $420/month    *** Note: Creighton University offers FREE room/board for students awarded Scholarship.

Centris Federal Credit Union Member Scholarship

Deadline. January 13th

Click HERE for the online application

Applicant must be an active Centris Federal Credit Union member for at least the previous 12 consecutive months prior to application for scholarship. Essays must be at least 500 words. Application must be submitted digitally by 11:59 pm the day of the deadline. Selection is based on the following: Leadership; Community Service; Academic Accomplishments; and the Essay

Board of Trustees' Scholarship @ Nebr. State College System

Deadline: January 15th

Please note - there is no separate application for this scholarship as has been the case in the past. 

Applicants must plan to attend Chadron State College, Peru State College or Wayne State College (and have already been accepted there), be a resident of Nebraska, and have a minimum ACT score of 25.

Students wishing to enroll at CSC and WSC must complete an application for admission and a general scholarship application to be considered for the Board of Trustees' Scholarship. 

Students applying at PSC must complete an application for admission which also serves as Peru State's general scholarship application. 

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Deadline: January 20th    |  State

For more information and to apply click HERE 

This = a guaranteed paid internship at Amazon and a $40,000 scholarship!

Eligibility requirements:

*  You must have taken or be currently enrolled in a computer science course

*  Be planning to attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering or other computer science related field

*  Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)

*  Must demonstrate financial need

TEAMMATES CENTRAL OFFICE SCHOLARSHIP

Deadline: January 20th    |  State

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

Students only need to complete this one application to apply for all of the statewide Teammates scholarships.  There is a seperate application for the local Teammates Chapter scholarship. Mentees must have been active in the TeamMates (TM) program for a minimum of THREE years. Teammates knows that applying for scholarships can be stressful, but never fear— they are here to help! Click on the links below to access information on scholarships through the TeamMates Central Office and partnering organizations.  I think their  Nebraska Senior Scholarship Guide has some really valuable information on college planning, scholarship application guidelines/suggestions and then the Scholarship Packet has the detailed list of the Central Office Teammates Scholarships that you will find helpful.

Marie Curie Scholars Program @ College of Saint Mary

Deadline: January 23rd

Click HERE for more information & to get the application form!

This scholarship provides significant financial support and resources for young women who want to major in Biology, Chemistry or Mathematics.

You could receive up to $20,000 toward your College of Saint Mary education each year while you live on campus and continue to meet program requirements. That is up to $80,000 for a four year degree!  Applicants should be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Human Biology (non-Pre-PA) and must meet 2 of the 3 criteria to successfully apply 1) Minimum High school GPA of 3.5; 2) ACT at or above 23; and 3) have a strong demonstration of STEM preparedness through coursework, STEM extracurricular activities, and/or job experience in science and math.

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

Deadline: January 30th  |  National

For more information and to apply click HERE

This scholarship is an opportunity to award students who recognize the pitfalls of technology addiction.

To apply, students simply need to write 140 characters completing the sentence: "Instead of spending time with technology, I'd rather..."

Nebraska Broadcasters Association HS Senior Scholarships

Deadline: January 31st |  State

The Nebraska Broadcasters Association Foundation (NBAF) offers scholarships to Nebraska high school seniors who have been accepted at a NBAF approved college (Doane University - Crete, Northeast Community College, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Wayne State College or Central Community College - Hastings).  Applicants must be planning to enroll in an undergraduate course of study in a broadcast-related field, and plan to pursue a career with a broadcast-related company. Interest in Broadcast Engineering, Journalism, On-Air Personality, Sales & Marketing and other broadcasting careers will be considered.

Click HERE for the online application

Union Plus Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 31st  11 am  (CT) |  National

Click HERE for more information & to get the application form!

Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations) are eligible to apply with at least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant's spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one-year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31 of the scholarship year.   This is a competitive scholarship.  Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. The required essays can account for up to half your total score.   Amounts range from $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the Fall of 2023. Students may re-apply each year.

Acacia Fraternity @ UNL

Deadline: January 31   |  State

Click HERE for more information & to apply!

Acacia extends this invitation for you to apply for a chance to win up to $2,000 in scholarship awards. Scholarships will be awarded to worthy applicants who are male plan to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and display leadership potential and demonstrate academic success. Membership is not a requirement to receive this scholarship. 

NMC (@ Nebraska Machinery) Diesel Technology Sponsorship

Deadline: January 31st   |  State 

Click on the links below for more information & to apply!

NMC offers both Partial College Sponsorship (to any diesel program in Nebraska)  and their Full Sponsorship program which is ONLY with Central Community College in Hastings, NE 

Full Sponsorship offers:  1/ Paid tuition, books, fees, and NMC branded uniforms (up to a $10,000 value); 2/ Two paid summer internships; 3/ Toolbox and tool set (up to a $12,000 value); 4/Personalized mentoring and guidance over the course of the program; 5/ an opportunity to earn an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology; and 6/ Employment and career progression opportunities with NMC

Partial Sponsorship offers:  1/ a one-year Sponsorship Program for students who have already completed (or in the process of completing) their first year of Diesel Technology School; 2/ paid summer coop/internship; 3/ paid tuition, books, and fees associated with final portion of schooling; 4/ personalized mentoring; and 5/ potential employment and career progression opportunities with NMC

Vocational Scholarship Grant

NMC Diesel Technology Sponsorship/COOP Program

due 1/31

Apply online HERE

The sponsorship provides funds to cover tuition and book fees along with tools and a tool box. This program prepares our students for a long-term, successful career at NMC. This includes both summer intern positions and sponsored students must agree to work for NMC for a minimum of two years upon completion of their associate degree.

NAIFA-National Assoc. of Insurance & Financial Advisors - Omaha 

due 1/31

Apply online HERE

Applicants should be planning to attend college and major in education, business/management/finance, marketing/sales, or actuarial studies;  preference will be given to those who attend a Nebraska university, college, or community college.

Nebraska Broadcasters Association Scholarship (NBAF) 

due 1/31

Apply online HERE 

The NBAF)offers scholarships to Nebraska high school seniors who have been accepted at a NBAF-approved Nebraska college, university or trade school, are planning to enroll in an undergraduate course of study in a broadcast-related field or communications related career and who plan to pursue a career with a broadcast-related company. 

February Scholarship Deadlines

Peter Kiewit Foundation Engineering Academy Scholarship  @ UNL or UNO

Deadline: February 1st |  State

Click HERE for more information & to get the application form!

The Kiewit Foundation has partnered with the University of Nebraska College of Engineering (COE) to develop the Peter Kiewit Foundation Engineering Academy. This scholarship program is for incoming freshman students with financial need who want to pursue careers in engineering, computing, or construction at UNO or UNL. The goal is to recruit and retain 40 students into the program each year.  The program includes a renewable full-ride scholarship (tuition and fees), room and board, equipment (laptop with software), program expenses, and a fully staffed learning community environment with exclusive seminar courses, success coaching, industry professional mentors, service and outreach projects, and support of a faculty fellows network. Applicants must be admitted to the College of Engineering in Lincoln (City Campus) or Omaha (Scott Campus);be residents of Nebraska; demonstrate some level of need as demonstrated on the FAFSA; and demonstrate their interest and commitment to the advancement of women in the field of engineering. This is an amazing opportunity for students who want to enter these career fields!

Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers (Eastern Chapter) & the NeSPE State Society Scholarship   

Deadline: February 1st 

Click HERE for more information & to apply!

In order to apply for these scholarships, a student must have a minimum GPA score of 3.5, a minimum ACT of 29 (on the Math subscore and a 25 on the English subscore), plan to attend college in Nebraska, be a resident of Sarpy, Douglas, Washington, Cass or Dodge county and have a general major in Engineering.  Applying for a Chapter Scholarship automatically applies the student for the State Scholarship also. The student must submit their application to the correct chapter scholarship chair where they reside - so you would apply for the one for the Eastern Chapter (Omaha area) with Brock Beran, P.E. at bberan@trekkdesigngroup.com

Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st by 5:00pm    |  State

Apply on-line at www.buffettscholarships.org 

Applicants must show financial need, have at least a 2.0 unweighted cumulative GPA and plan to attend any Nebraska public university, college, or community college. The Susan T. Buffett Foundation provides scholarships that can be used to cover expenses related to attending college (e.g. tuition and fees, housing, books). The amount of the scholarship varies by institution but is typically equal to the average cost of tuition and fees for a full-time student (15 credits) at that institution.

The Past Exalted Ruler's Scholarship (Nebraska Elks)

Deadline: February 15th |  State

 Click Here for more info & click here for the application form!

Six one-time grants are awarded (3 boys & 3 girls) in the amount of $1,250 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $800 for third place winners at the state level.  Applications must be received at a Nebraska Elks Lodge by the deadline. 

GPACAC Student Scholarship 

Deadline: February 15th |  Regional

Apply online HERE.  Scholarship amount is $1,000.

Applicant requirements: 1) Be a member of the high school Class of 2023; 2) Attend HS in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma; 3)Have a cumulative HS GPA average of 3.0 or higher; and 4) Complete the application and an essay on this topic - What is a lesson you learned during high school and how will that lesson impact your future?

GPACC Paul Max Scholarship 

Deadline: February 15th |  Regional

Apply online HERE   Scholarship amount is $1,000.

Applicants must meet all the following requirements: 1) Be a member of the Class of 2023; 2) Attend high school in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma; 3) Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 and above; 4) Have completed a minimum of 100 community service hours between the beginning of your freshman year to date of application; and 5) Complete the application and an essay on the following topic- Describe a specific community service experience.  How did the experience affect you? How did it impact your leadership?

•      *  Be a member of the high school Class of 2022
•      *  Attend HS in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma
•      *  Have a cumulative HS GPA average of 3.0 or higher 
•      *  Complete the application and an essay on the topic below - 
•             What is a lesson you learned during high school and how will that lesson impact your future?
• Scholarship amount is $1,000.

***  February 21st***

 deadline for local scholarships that utilize the 

comprehensive packet -- don't forget the additional essays, resumes and forms 

March Scholarship Deadlines

April Scholarship Deadlines

"The pre season"  -  May / June / July / August / September Scholarship Deadlines