(LINCOLN Neb. (May 9, 2003) - EducationQuest Foundation has awarded $850,000 in need-based scholarship funds to thirty-two Nebraska public and not-for-profit colleges. The schools will disburse the scholarship funds to eligible students for the 2003-04 academic year.

The scholarship money, part of EducationQuest's Educational Award Program, is designated for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Some of the funds will also target minority students and students who face additional obstacles to higher education.

This marks the fifth year that EducationQuest has awarded need-based scholarship funds to Nebraska colleges, bringing to $3.8 million the total amount disbursed thus far. Through 2002, the funds have benefited over 3,000 students. Nearly 1,000 students are expected to benefit from this year's distribution.

"May is National Scholarship Month - the perfect time to announce this year's Educational Award Program distribution," said Tammy Stevenson, EducationQuest Director of Scholarships. "We're especially proud of how this program addresses the shortage of need-based aid in Nebraska and helps low-income students access higher education."

National Scholarship Month was created in 1998 by Scholarship America, the nation's largest private sector scholarship organization, to raise public awareness about the need for scholarships for postsecondary education.

Colleges receiving Educational Award Program funds include: Bellevue University, Bryan School of Nursing, 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 Area, 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 - Kearney, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nebraska - 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. 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.