More than 50 high school students in Southeast Community College’s 15-county service area, not including Lincoln, have been awarded the Learn to Dream Scholarship, according to information provided by the SCC Educational Foundation.
Richard Becker (photo at right), executive director of the Foundation, said 55 students from 23 participating high schools have been awarded the scholarship, which pays for tuition and fees up to 45 quarter credits at SCC for qualified students.
School districts outside Lincoln that are participating in the Learn to Dream Scholarship program:
Ashland-Greenwood, Beatrice, Diller-Odell, Exeter-Milligan, Friend, Johnson Brock, Johnson County Central, Lewiston, McCool Junction, Mead, Milford, Norris, Palmyra, Pawnee City, Seward, Shickley, Syracuse, Tri County, Wahoo, Wahoo Bishop Neumann, Weeping Water, Wilber-Clatonia, and York.
“Individuals, foundations or organizations have stepped up to fund the scholarship for students at these schools,” Becker said. “The response we’ve received has been wonderful. The scholarship gives students a great opportunity to start their college education.”
Initially the Learn to Dream Scholarship was a partnership between Lincoln’s private and public high schools, SCC, and generous funding from Nelnet and Union Bank & Trust. Since its inception the scholarship program has expanded to include all graduating high school seniors in SCC’s 15-county district who qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch. The program outside of Lincoln is a partnership between local school districts, SCC and benefactors within the districts.
Galen Boldt, superintendent of Wahoo Public Schools, said his district is proud to be associated with the Learn to Dream Scholarship.
“The significance of the program revolves around students who have financial needs that might not otherwise consider training after high school,” Boldt said. “SCC has world-class programs, and the Learn to Dream scholarship provides hope to Wahoo students to achieve their dreams. The partnership that has been created with our community also is a product of the scholarship. It’s great to see schools work with the business community to better meet our student needs. Learn to Dream is fantastic.”
Persons wanting more information about the scholarship are asked to contact Becker at 402-323-3411 or [email protected].