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About the Foundation:
The Hemingford Scholarship Foundation was created through the inspiration and generosity of Robert Elliott Sr., whose life exemplified grit, resilience, and a deep commitment to rural communities.
Robert was raised in a large family that moved frequently—from one rural community to the next—starting in Iowa, then to Kansas, Colorado, and eventually settling in Mississippi. These constant moves reflected the family’s need to find work and survive during difficult economic times.
Upon graduating high school in Mississippi, Robert found himself with limited opportunities and no financial cushion. In 1929, with little more than determination, he and his brother stowed away on a train in search of a better future.
That journey eventually brought him to Box Butte County, Nebraska, where he began as a farmhand. Over time, he rented land, raised crops, and in the 1940s purchased his first farm just west of Hemingford. In the decades that followed, he expanded his agricultural operations in Nebraska and pursued farming and ranching ventures in Arizona and Montana. Ultimately, he made his home in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, where he raised his only son, Robert Elliott Jr.
While Robert eventually left the area, his heart never left Hemingford. He remained deeply grateful for the opportunities the community gave him. He also understood that future generations would need more than a strong work ethic—they would need education, training, and the ability to think critically. He believed that those who had achieved success—especially from rural areas—had a responsibility to reinvest in their communities.
With the support of his son and community leaders, Robert established the Hemingford Scholarship Foundation to help future Hemingford graduates continue their education and pursue meaningful lives. The Foundation emphasizes the journey before the destination—recognizing that growth, learning, and resilience are the foundation of long-term success.
About the Scholarship
This scholarship is open to all graduates of Hemingford High School pursuing post-secondary education, including college, trade school, university, or graduate degrees. Awards are based on merit and financial need. This application serves two purposes:
To help the committee assess each applicant’s qualifications.
To encourage applicants to reflect on their academic and career goals.
First-time applicants can use it to create a plan; returning applicants should use it to evaluate their progress and update goals.
Qualifying Parameters
Must be a Hemingford High School graduate.
Applicants are eligible up to five full scholarship cycles or ten total semesters.
Applicants must be considered full-time students.
First-time applicants must have completed at least one semester or equivalent.
Scholarship Cycle
The scholarship cycle runs from July 1 through June 30.
The scholarship committee reviews applications in July and January:
July Application (Full Year): Recipients are awarded for the entire academic year. Half is distributed in early August, and the remainder in January.
January Application (Half Year): Intended for those who must complete one semester before becoming eligible. The award amount is capped at half of the highest award issued in the July application period.
For scholarship recipients graduating in December. You will only receive the first half of the award. However, if you plan to continue your education seamlessly, please explain in your application.
Note: The Foundation does not guarantee funding for all applicants but strongly encourages all students pursuing post-secondary education to apply—even those in nontraditional programs. Clearly explain any unique circumstances for committee consideration.
How the Committee Reviews Application:
1. Merit-Based Evaluation
Academic and Performance Evaluation: Transcripts are the primary tool for evaluating academic progress. Applicants are encouraged to provide additional context such as course loads, academic challenges, and overall progress toward their degree.
Student Engagement: Demonstrated leadership, work experience, volunteerism, or other extracurricular activities beyond academics.
2. Financial Need Evaluation
Financial Hardship: Debt alone is not a determining factor. The committee recognizes the diversity of financial situations and uses your narrative and documentation to understand your specific needs. All shared information remains confidential.
A Completed Application will satisfy the following framework
Personal Statement
Introduce yourself and share your personal background.Career Path & Goals
List your major and any minors.
Include expected courses and credit hours for the upcoming academic year (July 1–June 30).
Highlight credits completed in the past year. If earned in high school or at another institution, explain.
Describe your long-term goals. Returning applicants should note changes in direction and key lessons learned.
Transcripts – Provide your most recent transcript with current grades.
Student Engagement – List extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, sports, community service). Include a short explanation for each: what the activity is, your role, and how often you participate.
Financial Need Evaluation
Part I: Budget Overview
Tuition
Housing
Living Expenses
Scholarships
Other major financial items.
Part II: Financial Narrative – Detail your financial situation.
Things to consider in your narrative:
Number of siblings (including any in or soon to be in college)
Sources of financial support (family, employment, scholarships, etc.)
Employment plans or barriers to working
Care-giving or family responsibilities
Any sources of financial hardship (e.g. medical expenses for yourself or someone within your financial support system)
Any informal support (e.g., family or friends helping with living expenses or, conversely, if you are supporting others)
Supporting Documents (Encouraged)
Include a letter from a parent, guardian, mentor, or any additional materials that help present your case. These are optional but strongly encouraged.
Financial Planning (Optional but Encouraged)
Share your plan for managing educational expenses during and after your program. A clear personal financial plan may enhance your application.
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