State colleges to offer Governor's Opportunity Award

The Governor’s Opportunity Award will cover half of the tuition costs for a student enrolled in one of the three state colleges and can be renewed for four years at Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges. Three students will be awarded scholarships for 2009-10 academic year.

“I want to thank the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees for their willingness to think innovatively on this issue,” Heineman said. “This scholarship will provide students who are passionate about the opportunities they’ve had growing up in Nebraska and want to continue their education at one of our three state college campuses. This is a great way to encourage more Nebraska students to pursue their college education in our state and develop leaders for tomorrow.”

Students eligible for the Governor’s Opportunity Award will have a cumulative ACT score between 21 and 24 or an SAT score ranging from 1500 to 1650, and must plan to attend one of the state college campuses next fall.

Applicants will be asked to write an essay detailing their interest in staying in Nebraska after college graduation, how they plan to become a leader in their community and contribute to the state’s economic landscape. Grade point average and involvement in activities, organizations and service projects will also be taken into consideration.

NSCS Chancellor Stan Carpenter said, “This award is about helping students who have a real desire to contribute to Nebraska’s future and attend college. Our goal is to provide financial assistance to bright, talented, driven individuals who have a commitment to our state. This award will help offset the costs of attending college. We want to ensure that our students’ level of debt upon graduation is minimal because we know that with less debt, they are more likely to stay in Nebraska after college.”

Application materials are on the Nebraska State College System Web site, www.nscs.edu, and can also be obtained from high school guidance counselors. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1. A committee of state college admissions directors will select the recipients.

The Nebraska State College System serves 8,500 students from Nebraska and surrounding states through three geographically diverse institutions. The three campuses combined offer more than 200 degree, certificate and pre-professional programs accessible on campus, via the Internet, and in several satellite locations throughout the state.