Scholarships

Directions for online Blackbaud Award Management

The scholarship application season for the 2024/2025 Local and Lexington Community Foundation scholarships opens on November 1, 2024.

Students must create an account on Academic Works (no paper applications for Local or Lexington Community Foundation scholarships). Please read Regional Scholarship descriptions as some will be through Academic Works and other will have external application links.

To start the application process go to Blackbaud Award Management by clicking HERE

The following are scholarships offered locally that are only in an EDITABLE (you can type on it) PDF. 

1. Click on the scholarship. See if you meet the qualifications.

2. Download the application and fill it out.

3. The application will give instructions on deadlines and a mailing address to send the completed application.

Stop into the Counseling Office if you have any questions.

Dawson County Farm Bureau Scholarship – Click Here to Download

Homestead Bank Scholarship – Click Here to Download

Lexington Booster Club Scholarship – Click Here to Download

College Scholarships

CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Central Community College General Scholarship:  Open to any student that is planning on attending Central Community College.  Application available at  ccc.awardspring.com You will have to create an account to start the application. Deadline is March 1.  (updated spring 2023)

CHADRON STATE COLLEGE – 

Chadron State College RHOP Program:  The program is between Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska Med Center.  Benefits of the program will be early acceptance to UNMC.  Current options are:  Dental Hygiene, Medical Technology, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Radiography, Dentistry,Pharmacy, Physician Assistant.  Interested in practicing in rural NE.  For more information and for an application visit http://www.csc.edu/sci/rhop/  Deadline: December 1 (updated 2023)

Chadron State College RLOP – Rural Law Opportunities Program is a special cooperative program between Chadron State College and UNL College of Law.This program recruits and educates students from rural Nebraska to become lawyers who will return to rural communities and practice law. Apply to Chadron State and visit https://www.csc.edu/academics/rlop/eligibility–application/to apply for RLOP.   Deadline: November 15  (updated 2023)

Chadron State College Scholarships – Apply to Chadron State College. Once accepted the scholarship application can be found on MYCSC To Do list – for information on Scholarships go to http://csc.edu/finaid/scho.larships/freshman.csc Most Deadlines:  January 15   (updated 2023)

DOANE UNIVERSITY

Freshmen scholarships will vary from student to student. Go to https://www.doane.edu/scholarships for more information.

HASTINGS COLLEGE

Hastings College Rick Wilson Memorial Scholarship: Students must reside and attend high school in Cozad, Gothenburg, Lexington, or other Dawson County, Nebraska communities.  Strong consideration will be given to academic achievement, leadership ability, and community involvement.  Up to four $5000 scholarships will be awarded to first-year students who meet qualifications.  Scholarship is renewable with a 3.0 GPA.  Talk to financial aid director of Hastings College for information. (updated 2023)

JOSEPH’S COLLEGE OF BEAUTY

Joseph’s College of Beauty Merit Scholarship for Cosmetology:  See scholarship page for details on several scholarships at https://beautychangeslives.org/scholarships-at-a-glance/ (updated 2023)

METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Ak-Sar-ben Metro Community College Scholarship:  Renewable $2,000 scholarship to for students who plan on attending Metro Community College in Omaha. Go to https://www.aksarben.org/scholarships/  details and application Deadline:  March 15  (updated 2023)

MID-PLAINS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (North Platte and McCook campuses)

Mid-Plains Community College:  Students planning to attend Mid-Plains or McCook Community College. Information and applications can be found online at http://www.mpcc.edu/financial-services/scholarships    Deadline:  March 1   (updated 2023)

NEBRASKA COLLEGE OF TECHNICAL AGRICULTURE – Curtis, NE

NCTA can offer certification or degrees for many agricultural related careers. For financial aid and scholarship information go to https://ncta.unl.edu/scholarships-0.  Deadline for many scholarships is April 1, but check each scholarship individually. (Updated Fall 2023)

NEBRASKA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Nebraska Wesleyan University Early Action Program:  students who apply to NWU, are accepted, and complete financial aid form located on website by December 1st could receive up to $14,000 which is determined by ACT score and GPA. For more information, visit Nebraska Wesleyan’s financial aid page.    Deadline: December 1 (updated 2023)

Nebraska Wesleyan University Rick Wilson Memorial Scholarship:  Students must reside and attend high school in Cozad, Gothenburg, Lexington, or other Dawson County, Nebraska communities.  Strong consideration will be given to academic achievement, leadership ability, and community involvement.  Up to four $5000 scholarships will be awarded to first-year students who meet qualifications.  Scholarship is renewable with a 3.0 GPA. If you are interested in this scholarship and meet the academic requirements contact the Financial Aid Director at Wesleyan for their consideration.

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Northeast Community College Scholarships:  One online application is required for most of the Northeast Community College scholarships. Available October 1, you must submit the completed Online Scholarship Application by clicking HERE. Applications will not be accepted any later than February 1. Once you have submitted the completed form, you will be considered for all Northeast scholarships for which you are qualified. The Northeast scholarship process is separate from the federal and state aid application.  You must have applied and have a username and password to complete the online application.  Deadline:  March 1 (updated 2023)

PERU STATE COLLEGE 

Peru State College RHOP Program:  Rural Health Opportunties Program is in partnership with Peru State College and the University Of Nebraska Medical Center.  The RHOP for Peru State is similar to Wayne State and Chadron State.  The current programs include pharmacy, medical laboratory science, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, nursing or radiography.  For more information go to www.peru.edu/rhop  Deadline: December 1 (updated 2023)

Peru State College – Apply to Peru State College  and for more information on Scholarships go to https://www.peru.edu/admissions/cost-aid     Most Deadlines:  December 1, many vary so check website above. (Updated 2023)  

SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Southeast Community College Scholarships:  Varies.  Eligibility:  Complete the online application and high school transcript.  Applications are available @ www.southeast.edu/scholarships/ Online application must be completed from December 1 through March 1. (updated Fall 2023)

 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-KEARNEY

UNK scholarship for incoming freshman:    Visit UNK’s SITE for applications.  On this page to VIEW SCHOLARSHIPS select IN STATE  from the drop down screen and then click FIRST YEAR tab. On each scholarship description you are able to find the application for each specific scholarship. Deadlines vary! (updated 2023)

Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP): This is a cooperative program between UNK and UNMC very similar to RHOP.  Guaranteed admittance into UNMC. Programs are Clinical Lab Science, Medicine, Nursing, and Radiology.  This is for students who have a commitment to practicing in rural Nebraska.  Information and application can be found at http://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/scholarshipprograms.php.   Deadline:  December 1.  (updated Fall 2023)

Kearney Rural Law Opportunity Program (KLOP) is a cooperative program between UNK and the University of Nebraska College of Law. It is designed to recruit students from rural areas and training them to become lawyers that will return and practice in rural communities.  Information can be found at http://www.unk.edu/admissions/kearney-law-opportunities-program/index.php.  Deadline: November 15 (Update 2023)

UNK Theater Scholarship:  This scholarship is for first year UNK Theater Majors.  This is a $1000 tuition waiver divided over two semesters.  Application online at http://www.unk.edu/academics/theatre/scholarships.php  Deadline:  February 1 (updated 2023)

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – LINCOLN

UNL In-State Freshmen Scholarships : Criteria: Admitted to UNL. Information available at HERE.  Most UNL scholarships are automatically applied for once a student is accepted to UNL and completes their personal statement.  Deadline:  February 1    (updated 2023)

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – OMAHA

The incoming freshman scholarships can be found by going to your MavLINK account. Click this application link for scholarship process. You will need your NUID to start. (updated 2023)

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

Wayne State College RHOP Program:  Rural Health Opportunities Program is a cooperative program between Wayne State College and University of Nebraska Med Center.  If selected, you will receive a tuition waiver and guaranteed admission to UNMC.  Areas of Clinical Lab Science, Dental hygiene, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Radiography.  For more information check with the counseling office for a brochure and application.  Forms and information can be downloaded at www.wsc.edu/rhop.  Deadline: December 1. (Updated 2023)

Wayne State College RLOP – Rural Law Opportunities Program is a special cooperative program between Wayne State College and UNL.This program recruits and educates students from rural Nebraska to become lawyers who will return to rural communities and practice law. Apply to Wayne State and visit https://www.wsc.edu/rlop to apply for RLOP. Deadline: December 1 (Updated 2023)

Wayne State College Scholarships – after applying and being accepted to WSC click HERE for incoming freshman scholarships.   Deadlines Vary:   December 1,  January 15,  February 1      (Updated 2023)

WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

All incoming freshmen are encouraged to apply for scholarships found  HERE.  Deadline is March 1 (Updated 2023)

General Scholarships

America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders Scholarships: America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, partners with farmers to award rural youth $1,500 scholarships to support their studies in ag-related fields after high school. Go to https://www.ffa.org/participate/scholarships  Application opens November 1.  Deadline: January 12. (updated fall 2023)

American Legion Scholarships. Visit this site.   Deadlines vary   (updated 2023)

Barrientos Scholarship Foundation:  This was established to assist Latino students pursuing higher education in Nebraska to continue their educational and career goals.  Scholarships are awarded in the following categories:  Arts, Medical, Education, Business and General.  Scholarship amounts vary from $500 – $1000.  See barrientosscholarship.org   Deadline:  March  (updated fall 2023)

Carhart Lumber Company: The Lumber Dealers Association will be awarding a $1000 scholarship for high school seniors enrolled to a college/technical school program that is related to the lumber and building materials or construction industry. The scholarship application and recommendation form is available from the counselors. The application form must be signed by a member retail lumber dealer of the Northwestern Lumber Association. Mead Lumber of Lexington is part of this association. See counselors with questions. Deadline:  January 31. (Updated 2023)

CCC Summer Scholarship:  This scholarship is available for any current junior or senior interested in taking a summer school class at Central Community College.  Students will be asked to supply ACT or submit MAP  scores for the scholarship. See counselors for details. Deadline:  April   (updated 2024) 

Coca-Cola Scholarship:  Scholars are selected based upon academic achievement, their capacity to lead, and their hours  of dedicated community service.  $10,000-$20,000.  Have a 3.0 GPA at the end of your junior year.  Apply online @ https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/ccsf    Deadline:  October 2. (updated Fall 2023)

DAWSON PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT UTILITY LINE AND STEM SCHOLARSHIP: These $2000 scholarships are available for applicants pursuing a degree in a Utility Line or  STEM-related field at any accredited college, university, trade school or community college. More information can be found here. The online application must be postmarked by March 14. (updated 2024)

DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) have several scholarships available for seniors. These would include merit scholarships as well as medical, nursing, elementary and secondary education, history, political science and a host of other opportunities. The application season opens November 1 with a deadline of January 31 by 11:59 EST.  Click HERE for this online application.(updated 2023)

D.J.’s Hero Award Scholarship  The Salvation Army of Nebraska is accepting nominations for their annual scholarship.  This $10,000 award recognizes Nebraska youth ages 17-19, who exemplify the qualities of dedication to faith, selfless acts for others, and commitment to community.  Given in memory of D.J. Sokol who had these characteristics.  Applications can be found at HERE and additional information can be found in the counselor office. Deadline: March 13  (update 2024) 

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Award:  $4000-$30,000.  Eligibility: high school senior, citizen of the United States, male and female students compete separately.  Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.  Application must be submitted to the Elks nearest your home, Lexington students would submit to the counseling office and we would get them to the Elk’s in Lodge in Cozad. Applications are found @  http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars Deadline:  November 13.   (updated Spring 2023)

Great Plains Communications Customer Scholarship: Awards are available to graduating seniors who are customers of Great Plains Communication. Two people will need to write letters of recommendation. Download the application form at https://gpcom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2023-Customer-Scholarship-Application-Nebraska.pdf. Deadline:  February 1. (updated 2023)

Hagan Scholarship Foundation:  This scholarship could provide up to $5000/semester for rural counties.  This renewable for up to seven semesters.  Student must show financial need, have a GPA of 3.5. Additional information found at www.hsfmo.org Students may receive up to $7,500/ semester.  Deadline:  December 1 (updated fall 2024)

Horatio Alger Scholarship:  Multiple $10,000 scholarships.  Eligibility criteria: be enrolled full time as a high school junior in Nebraska, have a strong commitment to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution located in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution); critical financial need ($55,000 or less adjusted gross income per family is preferred; if higher, an explanation must be provided); involvement in co-curricular and community activities; demonstrate academic achievement (minimum grade point average of 2.0); be a resident of Nebraska, be a citizen of the United States.  Application available at https://scholars.horatioalger.org/scholarships/about-our-scholarship-programs/state-scholarships/  Apply:  Opens December 1 with deadline of March 15 .(updated Fall 2023)

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program:  Students with cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and score a 26 or above on ACT.  Student must show financial need (family income up to $95,000).  Selection criteria will focus on exceptional academic ability and achievements, financial need, persistence, a desire to help others, and leadership.  See more information and application at http://www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/college-scholarship/how-to-apply/   Scholarship available September 6 and the deadline is November 16.  (updated Fall 2023)

Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation Scholarship:  $1500 to each Community College.  Criteria:  Plan to attend Nebraska Community College and major in automotive related courses.  Applications and instructions are available in the counseling office. Deadline:  At the Carriage House Foundation by April 5. (updated 2024) 

Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation Scholarships

Several scholarships are available to Lexington High seniors because they reside in Dawson County. The online application and additional information can be found be clicking  HERE for the website. Deadline: The ONE application for these scholarships closes on February 28. (update 2024)

National Society of Daughter’s of the American Revolution (DAR) has multiple scholarships ranging from General Scholarships to subject specific degrees. Most scholarships are completed using their online portal. Please read the requirements carefully and follow the speciic directions! Some are aimed at undergraduates (that would be you) and some at graduate students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Go to their website for the details on each individual scholarship. https://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships/general-scholarship  Deadline:  January 31  (update 2023)

National Honor Society Scholarship:  Scholarships range from $1000 to $13,000 with selection being based on the four criteria for NHS membership:  scholarship, leadership, character, and service.  Please visit HERE for more information.  Application and all recommendations must be completed online.  Deadline:  November 30  (updated 2023)

Nebraska Elks Association Scholarships:  Applications and information can be found at http://www.nebraskaelks.org Deadline:  varies  (updated Spring 2023)

Nebraska Cooperative Education Foundation:  Scholarships for incoming freshman to Nebraska – Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources and to student majoring in agribusiness or ag production systems at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.  Application found at https://www.nebr.coop/foundation/scholarships/.  Deadline:  April 15  (update 2023)

Nebraska Press Association Foundation Scholarship:  6 – $2000 scholarships. Eligibility:  Nebraska high school graduate seeking to enroll at a Nebraska-based OR out-of-state college/university. Specific interest needs to be in community-based journalism OR agricultural communications.  Scholarship applicants can choose ONE of four different essay topics to write about.  Application available online by clicking  here. Deadline:  Must be postmarked by January 19. (updated 2024)

NMC CAT Diesel Technology Sponsorship Program:  Tuition, Fees, Books, Supplies, and Tools will be paid for at Central Community College in Hastings if you are going into the Diesel Tech Program.  Eligibility:  Visit CCC Hastings, complete application and be accepted to CCC, complete application for the NMC sponsorship and take COMPASS, ASSET or the ACT. Online application at www.nmcsponsorship.com. You are encouraged to apply for this and NMC CAT Diesel Technology Scholarship. Deadline: (updated 2023)

Oxbow Animal Health Scholarship Program: $500 scholarship for a NE high school senior interested in a career in the pet industry or work in the field of animal health and nutrition.  Complete online application HERE and submit a 300-500 word essay explaining why you want to pursue a career in the pet industry or in the field of animal health.  Winners announced May 1.  Deadline: Applications postmarked by March 1. (updated 2023)

P.E.O. STAR Scholarship:  $2500.  Eligibility:  Female, exhibit excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for future success.  Senior.  3.0 GPA or higher. US Citizen.  Plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution.  Talk to your counselor of your intestest in this scholarship.  There are 4 PEO chapters in Lexington and there is an interview process as each chapter can only nominate one girl. Once the chapter makes their selection, the application form is sent to the applicant. You will be competing against other applicants from around the country.  See Mrs. McKeone for more details. Deadline:  October.   (updated 2023)

Phelps County Community Foundation Scholarships:  They have several scholarships available for Phelps  and surrounding Counties in Nebraska.  To read the descriptions of all scholarships go to www.phelpsfoundation.org to see if you qualify.  Deadline:  February 15 (updated 2023)

Prudential Spirit of Community Award:  $1000.  Eligibility:  Have made a difference by volunteering in the community in the past year.  Apply here, click on the “Apply Now” link, follow on screen instructions.  The application is online and will be submitted online.  Mr. Bell will have to review the submitted application, therefore plan on getting this done before the deadline.  Deadline:  November 5.  (updated 2023)  

Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarships:  Full tuition possible.  Must be applying to a 4-year NE state public school (UNO, UNL, UNK, Chadron, Peru, Wayne) or a two-year state public or trade school within Nebraska.  Be in need of financial assistance, have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA, have applied for federal financial aid (or complete an estimator) and have already received the printed results– EFC must be under $10,000.  Will need to write a personal essay.  Scholarship applications are available online at http://buffettscholarships.org/ Deadline: February 1. (Updated 2023)

Wendy’s High School Heisman:  This scholarship is for well-rounded seniors who perform at a high level in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.  Visit https://www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com for more details.  Deadline:  October 17 (updated 2023)

United States Senate Youth Program: Any junior or senior that is currently serving in an elected or appointed capacity in organization including Student Body president, vice-president, secretary or treasuer, Class president, vice president or treasuer, Student Council representative or a Student representative elected or appointed to a district, regional or state-level civic or educational organization.  Application must be completed by October 13.  There is a student testing sheet that must be completed and returned to Nebraska Department of Education. The online application can be found at https://ussenateyouth.org/selection_process_qualify/. (updated 2023)

Scholarship Tips

Juniors and Seniors:

Start looking for scholarships in your junior year and check with your counselor often during your senior year.
Get involved in extracurricular activities.  Many scholarships are based on leadership and community involvement.
Work hard in school. Grades are an important factor in earning scholarships.
Take the ACT/SAT as a junior and again your senior year to get the best possible score.  Many awards have a minimum ACT/SAT score requirement.
Apply for as many scholarships that you qualify for.

Seniors:

The counseling department tries several methods to communicate with students about scholarships. Check your emails and also open mail sent to your home. 

• Senior Stuff is a monthly newsletter sent out at the beginning of each month with details on important items that need to be addressed each month. We encourage you to read this over. 
• Coffee with the Counselors are mini sessions during Homeroom that give seniors a jump start on the upcoming scholarship season. These sessions are held in the fall so all seniors are up to date on what is expected for scholarships and to introduce them to the scholarship page. 
• Financial Aid night is also held in the fall and is presented by EducationQuest. EducationQuest also comes to Lexington High School twice a month starting in November to assist families in completing their FAFSA for financial aid. 
• Organize scholarship applications in deadline order.  Even the best-qualified applicants will be disqualified because of missed deadlines.
• Set time aside on weekends to work on applications. It takes a lot of time to apply, but the payoff could be big!
• Talk to your college about school-specific and major-specific awards.  Many of the biggest scholarships come directly from the college.
• Scholarship applications are generally found online. Students need to type out the application.The neatness and how you organize your scholarship application is important. 
• Complete a resume early in your senior year.  A resume is a one-page document that explains your strengths and all the activities you have participated in.  The counselors, along with English 3 teachers, have provided examples of a sample resume.  Some of the best templates can be found on google docs.
• Most scholarships ask for references.  Give your teachers a resume when you ask them to be a reference for you.  People to consider for recommendations include:  teachers, coaches, counselors, administrators, church leaders, community people, or your boss at work.