Learn To Dream Scholarship
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The program is a collaboration between Southeast Community College (SCC), 12 Lincoln high school programs, and local businesses Nelnet and Union Bank & Trust. Graduating seniors who qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program are eligible.
The first of its kind in Nebraska, LTD pays for tuition and fees up to 45 quarter credits at SCC (approximately one year of study). Once enrolled, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible.
In the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), applicants who graduate from Lincoln East, Lincoln High, Lincoln Northeast, Lincoln North Star, Lincoln Southeast, Lincoln Southwest and Bryan Community are eligible. Of the 643 scholarship recipients to date, 642 are from LPS high school programs.
One of the first LPS students to be awarded a scholarship was Amanda Miller. She's a 2008 graduate of Lincoln North Star High School (LNS).
"I ran track and participated in Concert Choir, lettering in both. I was also on Step Team and a member of National Honor Society," explained Miller, who graduated with a 3.987 GPA.
Working with her LNS counselor, Virginia Saporta, Miller "was in the counselor's office everyday filling out scholarships. I never did receive any." Saporta "was a great person who cheered me up; she was always by my side keeping me going."
Miller's dream was "to go to college and become somebody." Saporta not only supported that dream, she walked through the application process with Miller including transcripts and letters of recommendation. "When I got accepted at SCC, I rushed to her office and told her. She deserves a huge thank you for her help in me becoming the student I am."
Without LTD, Miller would have graduated and then worked "to save so I could start college in a year." She preferred not to take out student loans. "Money is very tight in our household. I'm so happy I got the scholarship; it's actually making my dreams come true."
Miller is taking general courses for sonography and has only 4 classes left before transferring to BryanLGH School of Nursing to become an ultrasound nurse.
"After graduating, I want to get a job at a big hospital. I want to be able to buy a house and settle down," said Miller. "I would like to get married and start a family. I will be about 21 or 22 by the time I'm done with college. I am going to take it one step at a time and enjoy every moment of it."
What started as a good idea in 2007 has proved to be essential in an American economy that has put college on hold for many students and their families. LTD has the potential to make college possible for as many as 600 students each year.
"A major goal of Lincoln Public Schools is to increase student learning and increase graduation rates," said Dr. Susan Gourley, Superintendent. "Often, students are faced with financial realities that decrease their opportunities to pursue an education beyond high school."
Information and applications are available from high school counseling centers, or online at: lps.org/learntodream.
