(LINCOLN Neb. January 24, 2005) – EducationQuest Foundation has awarded nearly $39,000 in renewable Reaching Your Potential scholarships to 11 Nebraskans who have overcome obstacles to attend college.

The recipients are:

Abraham Akec, Lincoln, $2,500
One of the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” Abraham is in the academic transfer program at Southeast Community College with plans to earn a Computer Engineering degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He then hopes to return to the Sudan to help with his country’s development.

Jaime Anderson, Bellevue, $4,000
Helping to care for her father through his terminal illness strengthened Jaime’s resolve to become a doctor. She is pursuing that goal as a pre-med student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Saundra Carney, Beatrice, $2,500
Since age 16, Saundra has wanted to be a nurse but obstacles kept getting in her way. She is now pursuing her dream at Southeast Community College with plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Charles Colclasure, Grand Island, $2,000
Once the owner of a successful drywall business, Charles faced dramatic changes after an accident left him partially paralyzed. Today he attends Central Community College where he studies marketing and advertising.

Jorge Contreras Jr., Lincoln, $4,500
Jorge overcame a troubled past and now attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he studies architecture. He wants to help future homebuyers have cost-efficient, safe homes.

Stephen Fitzgerald, Bennington, $4,000
As a teenager, Stephen cared for his mother as she suffered and eventually died from a progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis. He is now pursuing a degree in Aviation Technology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Reuben Jackson, Hastings, $5,400
Displaced by civil war in Liberia, Reuben and his family lived in unimaginable conditions until they relocated to Hastings. Despite little formal education, Reuben attends Hastings College with a goal to become a physical therapist.

Debra Juarez, South Sioux City, $3,500
Debra’s goal is to earn a Human Services degree from Wayne State College and then work with teen mothers and abused children. She wants them to know that they can achieve their goals just as she did.

Karen Rhone, Gibbon, $2,000
Karen attends Central Community College with a goal to become a graphic artist.

Mona Sorouri, Omaha, $4,000
Since fleeing Iran to avoid religious persecution, Mona overcame language and cultural difficulties - and tragedy - to achieve academic honors at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She plans to attend medical school.

Vi Ta, Lincoln, $4,500
Vi relocated from Vietnam to Lincoln five years ago knowing very little English. She is now pursuing a Business Administration degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she excels in her classes.

“These recipients have overcome tremendous obstacles to improve their lives, and the lives of others, through higher education,” said EducationQuest President Liz Fieselman. “We’re pleased to help them achieve their goals.”

EducationQuest, a private nonprofit organization headquartered in Lincoln, has disbursed over $568,000 in renewable Reaching Your Potential scholarships to 102 Nebraskans since the program began in 2000. Applicants are referred to the program by statewide community agencies and colleges.

EducationQuest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Through a permanent endowment, EducationQuest provides free college planning services at its locations in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha; funds need-based scholarship programs; and provides community grants for programs that enhance college access. For more information, call EducationQuest Foundation, headquartered in Lincoln, at 800-303-3745 or visit www.educationquest.org.