Brief Description:

EducationQuest’s College Access Grants program’s goal is to increase the percentage of graduates who enroll in postsecondary programs after high school. The program provides multi-year funding to Nebraska high schools (grades 9 to 12) to develop or enhance college access activities.

Grants amounts range from $2,500 to $20,000 a year for four years, based on the high school’s enrollment in grades 9 to 12.

EducationQuest defines postsecondary education as any accredited postsecondary university or college, including both two-and-four-year colleges.

EducationQuest will notify all applicants of their funding status by August 1, 2022.

Description:

The EducationQuest College Access Grants program provides funding to Nebraska high schools that seek to increase their college-going rate. Grants are awarded every two years through a competitive application process. Eighty-nine Nebraska high schools have received grants since the program began in 2006.

Funding Amounts
High schools are funded for four years with a goal to increase their college-going rate. Awards range from $2,500 to $20,000 per year based on the high school’s 9th through 12th grade enrollment.

High School Enrollment	Annual Funding Amount	Minimum Student Target Population
150 or less	$2,500	100%
150 to 299	$5,000	75%
300 to 399	$7,500	50%
400 to 999	$10,000	20% or minimum of 150, whichever is larger
1,000 to 1,999	$15,000	10% or minimum of 150, whichever is larger
2,000 and up	$20,000	10%

Required Activities
High schools selected to receive a College Access Grant use the funding to coordinate college access activities including:

Visiting a college campus

Attending a College Fair or Educational Planning Program

Attending a Financial Aid Presentation

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Finding and applying for scholarships

Applying to at least one college

Providing information about dual enrollment courses

Encouraging family involvement

Developing business partnerships

Special Eligibility Requirements:

The grant is open to any Nebraska public or private high school that is approved or accredited to offer educational instruction by the Nebraska Department of Education.

Timeline

On April 7, 2022: Attend the EducationQuest Symposium in Lincoln.

By April 21, 2022: Request a College-Going Culture Assessment (email chelseyk@educationquest.org to request survey)
By May 6, 2022: Request grants staff to pre-read application and provide feedback.
By June 1, 2022: Complete each section of the online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
By August 1, 2022: All school will be notified of their funding status.

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Chelsey Karlin at chelseyk@educationquest.org

Begin Accepting Applications Date:

9/27/2021

Deadline Date (CST Time Zone) :

6/01/2022 11:59 PM