About EducationQuest Foundation
Headquartered in Lincoln, EducationQuest Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska – and proud sponsor of the KnowHow2GONebraska campaign.
We fulfill our mission through free college planning services, outreach services, need-based scholarship programs, and college access grants.
EducationQuest has locations in Lincoln, Kearney, and Omaha, Nebraska.
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Lincoln – Headquarters |
Kearney 2706 Second Ave. Kearney, NE 68847 308.234.6310 800.666.3721 FAX 308.234.2113 |
Omaha Rockbrook Village (108th and W. Center Road) 11031 Elm Street Omaha, NE 68144 402.391.4033 888.357.6300 FAX 402.391.7376 |
Our History
EducationQuest has provided free college planning services since 1986. Prior to 1998, we served Nebraska families through what was known as the Educational Planning Centers.
In 1998, EducationQuest Foundation was founded when the Nebraska Higher Education Loan Program (NEBHELP) converted from a nonprofit secondary market for student loans to a for-profit corporation providing similar services. EducationQuest used the proceeds from the sale of the loan portfolio to create a permanent endowment. It is through this endowment that we fund our programs and services.
College Planning Services
EducationQuest has college planning offices in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha where we have resources that help students and parents:
- research colleges
- explore career options
- look for scholarships
- complete and file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- learn about student loans
All services are free and most are by appointment to provide families with one-on-one assistance.
Students and parents also learn about college planning and financial aid through our statewide college fairs, educational planning programs and financial aid programs. Check out our events calendar for programs near you.
We create college planning handbooks, newsletters and brochures and distribute them to students and parents across the state. You may order our materials online at no charge. Some of our materials are also available in Spanish.
KnowHow2GONebraska
In 2007, EducationQuest was selected to sponsor the national KnowHow2GO college access program in Nebraska. This program provides four steps 8th, 9th and 10th grade students should follow to prepare for college. Each year, EducationQuest provides KnowHow2GO materials for students, parents, counselors and agencies and we coordinate statewide activities and events to promote the program.
Outreach Services
Through our Outreach Services, we take our free college planning services and presentations to community agencies across the state.
Outreach services include FAFSA completion, career exploration, and college and scholarship searches. We also provide on-site presentations covering topics such as EducationQuest services, college planning and financial aid, adult learner issues, and managing college debt.
We also provide annual College Access Training for agency representatives statewide.
Scholarship Programs
EducationQuest Scholarship Program
This program provides $1.3 million in scholarship funding each year to Nebraska’s nonprofit public and private colleges. The colleges then award the funds to eligible students who demonstrate financial need, which may include middle-income as well as low-income students.
Reaching Your Potential Scholarship Program
Students who face significant obstacles to higher education are the target of this need-based, renewable scholarship program which provides approximately $100,000 in scholarships each year. Applicants are referred to the program by statewide community agencies and colleges.
College Access Grants Program
EducationQuest College Access Grants provides funding for Nebraska high schools that seek to develop or enhance college access activities within their school. The program’s goal is to increase the number of Nebraska students going to college.
Every two years, EducationQuest provides grants to approximately 15 high schools and commits funding to each school for four years. Funding amounts depend on the high school’s enrollment.
Nebraska P-16 Initiative
EducationQuest President and CEO, Liz Koop, serves as a Co-Chair of the Nebraska P-16 Initiative – a coalition of 31 Nebraska organizations in education, business and government dedicated to improving student success at all levels, preschool (“P”) through college (“16”). The group is led by Chair, Governor Dave Heineman, and Co-Chairs Senator Greg Adams, University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken, and Commissioner of Education Roger Breed.
Looking ahead
Our vision for the future is to become the leading resource for college access in Nebraska. We base our vision on our commitment to:
- serve as a statewide leader in college access through partnerships with other entities that share our mission.
- seek innovative ways to use technology for college access.
- assess college access needs in our state and ensure we have the knowledge and skills to address those needs with integrity and professionalism.
Partnerships
Improving access to higher education is a goal shared by many Nebraska educational entities and we’re proud to work with many of them in that quest. Our partners – and the programs we coordinate with them – include:
- Nebraska P-16 Initiative – Addresses college-access needs for students in preschool through college.
- Nebraska Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers – College Fairs and Educational Planning Programs held in the fall.
- Great Plains Association of College Admissions Counselors – Omaha and Lincoln College Fairs are held in the spring.
- Nebraska Educational Television – Development of videos and 30-second PSAs that air on NET and cable television.
- University of Nebraska – Financial aid training for Nebraska high school guidance counselors.
- Lumina Foundation for Education, American Council on Education, and the Ad Council – KnowHow2GONebraska