(LINCOLN Neb. November 20, 2003) - Four Nebraska organizations are recipients of $78,000 in community grants recently awarded by EducationQuest Foundation.

Central Community College (CCC) received $20,000 for its Bridge Program – a program that "bridges" the College’s English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education and General Education Development programs to help build students’ academic skills. The program, offered at CCC locations in Grand Island, Columbus, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney and Lexington, benefits many first-generation Americans and first-generation college students who are trying to improve their lives.

"Many bright adults move to the United States and have to settle for back-breaking work, substandard housing and little healthcare, but do so for a better life," said Ann Chambers, Adult Basic Education Coordinator at CCC. "If we can help them to better themselves, learn English and attend college, they will be more prone to stay in our communities and become contributing citizens in our rural areas."

Park Middle School in Lincoln received an $18,000 grant for Path to the Gold – a program that increases the likelihood that Park Middle School students will go to college. The program provides extra student services such as incentives for attendance, skill development and homework completion; additional peer-mentoring and tutoring services; family literacy services; home visits; family nights to involve students and families in school activities; and visits to college campuses.

"Too many students sell themselves short and take the shortest and easiest way through school," said Park Middle School teacher Becky Moock who helped develop the program. "Path to the Gold will help these students become ‘possibility-thinkers’ and give them hope for an educational future beyond high school, academic means to achieve that dream and the family support to turn the dream into reality."

Southeast Community College received a $17,000 grant for its Newcomers Educational Center Project – a program that prepares adult English as Second Language (ESL) students for college courses in the Nursing Assistant and Truck Driver programs. The Newcomers Educational Center Project provides a "preview" of these programs that prepares students for coursework, helps them determine if the area of study is appropriate for them, and gives them access to campus services that will help them succeed.

"This program not only gives students an in-depth look at their area of study and teaches them terminology, it also walks them through campus services and lets them know where they can get help with financial aid and career planning," said Susan Kash-Brown, ESL Assistant Director. "It takes away the fear of college and sets them up for success."

Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff received a $23,000 grant to support the After-School Program - a program at the Guadalupe Center that draws 20 to 30 low-income middle school students each day. Most are from Latino and Native American families who seldom see college as an option. The program helps these students and their families prepare academically for college while increasing the family’s understanding and comfort level with college.

"This program is all about opportunity," said Rachel Gonzales, WNCC Outreach Coordinator. "It gives students and their families exposure to higher education. It allows them to visit colleges, interact with faculty members, and work with faculty on special projects. These are opportunities that would not be possible without the After-School Program or the EducationQuest grant."

"Our mission is to improve access to higher education in Nebraska, and all of these organizations help us achieve that mission through their programs," said EducationQuest President Liz Fieselman. "That’s why we are so pleased to provide our support."

Since founded in 1998, EducationQuest has disbursed nearly $1.2 million in community grants to organizations across the state with programs that enhance college access. Nebraska non-profit organizations interested in applying for an EducationQuest grant can view Community Grants guidelines in the Community Agency section at www.educationquest.org.

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 supports community organizations that enhance college access. For more information, call EducationQuest Foundation, headquartered in Lincoln, at 800-303-3745 or visit www.educationquest.org.