EducationQuest Awards $1 Million in Scholarship Funds to Nebraska Colleges

(LINCOLN Neb. March 14, 2007) – EducationQuest Foundation has awarded $1 million in need-based scholarship funds to 32 Nebraska public and not-for-profit colleges for distribution to eligible students during the 2007-08 academic year. The funds are designated for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Each college selects the students who will benefit from the scholarships.

This marks the ninth year that EducationQuest has awarded need-based scholarship funds to Nebraska colleges, bringing to $7.5 million the total amount awarded thus far. Through 2006, the funds have benefited nearly 8,000 students.

EducationQuest developed the scholarship program – and has continually increased the annual distribution amount – as part of its mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska.

"This program helps offset the shortage of state-funded financial aid for low-income students in Nebraska," said EducationQuest President Liz Fieselman. "$1 million will go a long way toward helping hundreds of students realize their educational dreams."

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, Nebraska ranks 41st in the nation in estimated grant dollars for students in the 18-24 age group.

Colleges receiving funds include Bellevue University, BryanLGH College of Health Sciences, Central Community College, Chadron State College, Clarkson College, College of Saint Mary, Concordia University, Creighton University, Dana College, Doane College, Grace University, Hastings College, Little Priest Tribal College, Mid-Plains Community College - North Platte and McCook, Metropolitan Community College, Midland Lutheran College, Nebraska Christian College, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Nebraska Indian Community College, Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Northeast Community College, Peru State College, Southeast Community College, Union College, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Wayne State College, Western Nebraska Community College, and York College.

EducationQuest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, EducationQuest provides free college planning services; funds need-based scholarship programs; provides grants that help high schools increase their college-going rate; and provides outreach services for statewide community agencies. For more information, call 800.303.3745 or visit www.educationquest.org.