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EducationQuest Foundation is a nonprofit with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska.

We provide free college planning services, need-based scholarship programs, college access grants for high schools, college access resources for middle schools, and outreach services for community agencies.

We have locations in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, and Scottsbluff.

Our History

EducationQuest has provided free college planning services since 1986. Before 1998, we served Nebraska families through what was known as Educational Planning Centers.

In 1998, EducationQuest Foundation was created 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 loan portfolio sale proceeds to create a permanent endowment. It is through this endowment that we fund our free programs and services.

Leadership Bios and Photos

Liz S. Koop, President & CEO: bio | photo 

Daphne Hall, Senior Vice President, College Access Programs: bio | photo

Michael Timmins, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer: bio | photo

Eric Drumheller, Vice President, Grants & Scholarships: bio | photo

Regan Anson, Vice President, Communications: bio | photo

Board of Directors

Craig Ames (Chair), Retired President & Chief Operating Officer, Bryan Medical Center

Liz S. Koop, President & CEO, EducationQuest Foundation

Wendy Boyer, Executive Director, Peter Kiewit Foundation

Debbie Cooper, Client Business Executive, CO-OP Financial Services

Michael Green, President & Chief Investment Officer, EverGreen Capital Management

Kelly Leeper, Vice President, Family Office Services, Bridges Trust

Tom Smith, Vice Chairman, Individual Investor Group, D.A. Davidson

Jennifer Strand, President, Nebraska Title Company

Planned Giving Program

Our Legacy Society recognizes the generosity of friends who leave a planned gift for future Nebraskans seeking college access. Your gift will help EducationQuest fund free college planning services, need-based scholarship programs, and college access grants for high schools.

A charitable bequest or trust distribution is generally deductible for federal estate and Nebraska inheritance tax purposes when the charitable transfer is made. Consult with your tax advisor for details.

Your planned gift could be in the form of a:

  • Bequest
  • Appreciated Security
  • Charitable Beneficiary of your Life Insurance
  • Charitable Beneficiary of your Retirement Plan/IRA

A planned gift does not affect your lifestyle today. A few simple sentences in your will or estate plan is all it takes. You may designate your gift as unrestricted or for a specific program such as Scholarships, College Planning, or College Access.

Click here for details on donating, and use this Bequest Intention Form.