UNL scholarships offered through extension

Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educators across Nebraska can award scholarships for high school juniors and seniors to study in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL, said Steve Waller, dean of the college.

"We want to get the word out across Nebraska that information on our college's scholarships is as near as the nearest UNL Extension office," Waller said.

"If students are interested in food, in new product development, in biotechnology, in law, in production, in business, in the environment, in people--we have majors in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources that can springboard them to extremely fulfilling and productive careers," Waller said. "Extension educators are tremendous resources for students who want to learn more about our college and the university. Being able to offer students scholarships is a plus for both students and educators."

Jack Schinstock, associate dean of the college, said because extension educators work in every county in the state, they are well positioned to know students in their communities, which is why the college makes it possible for educators to offer scholarships.

"Besides interest in our college's majors, other criteria for the scholarships educators can offer are a student's character and above average academic ability, which for this fall's incoming class was being in the upper third of a student's graduation class, and an ACT score above 25," Schinstock said.

Maureen Burson, UNL extension educator based in Lincoln, awarded a scholarship to a Wilber-Clatonia area high school student in fall 2005.

"It is really uplifting for families to receive notice from the University of Nebraska early in the application process," Burson said. Typically scholarships are awarded in March or April for that fall. With educator-awarded scholarships, prospective students can be notified they are a recipient over a year ahead of their arrival to campus.

"It was quick and we were able to personalize the effort," Burson added.

Schinstock added that even if a student doesn't meet criteria for educator-awarded scholarships, the educators can put students in touch with the college to pursue other scholarships or financial assistance.

"The average new student scholarship in our college is $1,000," Schinstock said. "Some are more and some are less. Each can help a great deal as students explore and compare the costs of attending college."

Waller said extension educators also can award scholarships to potential transfer students from other post-secondary institutions who have at least a B+ average and excellent character.

"Extension educators are the front door to the university," Waller said. "They're a tremendous resource both for students and parents interested in studying with us. We see making it possible for educators to award scholarships to our college as a natural recognition of their role."

Both the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Extension are part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL. For more information on College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources scholarship possibilities, contact your nearest extension office, or the college at 103 Agricultural Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0702, telephone 402-472-7908.

Date: 2/22/06