| |
Learn To Dream Scholarship Helping Over 640 Lincoln Students Further Their Education
In October 2007 the Learn to Dream Scholarship program was announced, and in the past two years more than 640 high school graduates have received the scholarship – and started dreaming about a better future.
The program is a collaboration between Lincoln’s private and public high schools, Southeast Community College – and generous funding from Nelnet and Union Bank & Trust.
The first of its kind in Nebraska, Learn to Dream pays for tuition and fees up to 45 quarter credits at SCC (about one year of study). Once enrolled, students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average to remain eligible.
Of the 643 scholarship recipients to date, 642 are from LPS high schools and programs.
One of the first LPS students to be awarded a scholarship was Amanda Miller, a 2008 graduate of Lincoln North Star High School whose dream was "to go to college and become somebody." And Amanda – who graduated from high school with an almost perfect grade point average – is still dreaming big dreams.
"I ran track in high school and participated in Concert Choir, lettering in both," she said. “I was also on Step Team and a member of National Honor Society."
Amanda said she worked closely with her high school counselor, Virginia Saporta, filling out scholarship applications constantly. Many scholarship providers turned her down. But Amanda and her counselor did not give up. Saporta not only supported Amanda’s dream, she helped her sort through the scholarship application process of transcripts and letters of recommendation.
"When I got accepted at SCC,” Amanda said, “I rushed to her office and told her. She deserves a huge thank you for helping me become the student I am."
Without Learn to Dream, Amanda would have graduated and worked “to save so I could start college in a year.” She preferred not to take out student loans. “Money is very tight in our household. I’m so happy I got the scholarship; it’s actually making my dreams come true.”
Amanda is taking general courses for sonography and has only four classes left before transferring to another college to become an ultrasound nurse.
"After graduating, I want to get a job at a big hospital. I want to be able to buy a house and settle down," she said. "I would like to get married and start a family. I will be about 21 or 22 by the time I’m done with college. I am going to take it one step at a time and enjoy every moment of it."
What started as a good idea in 2007 has proved to be essential in an American economy that has put college on hold for many students, said LPS Superintendent Susan Gourley.
Graduating seniors who qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program are eligible. And funding for Learn to Dream has the potential to make college possible for as many as 600 students each year.
"A major goal of Lincoln Public Schools is to increase student learning and increase graduation rates," Gourley said.
"This scholarship helps our students who face financial realities that might prevent them from considering education beyond high school."
Information and applications are available from high school counseling centers, or online at: www.lps.org/learntodream.
"Learn to Dream scholarships create an opportunity for those who may not believe they have access to post-secondary education," said Angie Muhleisen, President & CEO of Union Bank & Trust. "An educated and skilled young person has a wonderful opportunity to fulfill their dreams, making the future more prosperous for them and for our community.”
Jeff Noordhoek, President of Nelnet, remarked, "The Learn to Dream scholarship program is already creating opportunities for hundreds of young people in our community. Education is the most powerful force in making a difference in people’s lives. By providing access to higher education to young people we are not only enriching their lives but also enhancing our own community."
|
