Counselor Info
It’s FAFSA time!
Seniors…beginning October 1, you and your parents can complete the 2020-21 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is the application for state, federal, and college-based financial aid.
Follow these tips to prepare:
Create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) for you and one for a parent at fsaid.ed.gov. You and a parent will each need an FSA ID to access and sign the FAFSA.
Attend an EducationQuest Financial Aid Program to learn how the FAFSA and financial aid can help you pay for college. When you attend, register for a $500 Financial Aid Program Scholarship! Pleasanton parents of seniors are invited to attend the Financial Aid Presentation on September 25th, 6:00 p.m., in the PHS distance learning room.
Review the FAFSA Checklist at EducationQuest.org for items you’ll need to complete the FAFSA.
See FAFSA Tools at EducationQuest.org for helpful resources.
For free help with the FAFSA, call EducationQuest to make an appointment: Omaha – 888.357.6300,
Lincoln – 800.303.3745, Kearney – 800.666.3721, and Scottsbluff – 800.303.3745, ext. 6654.
Scholarship Search Engines:
Educationquest.org's ScholarshipSearch:
Scholarships360: Twitter (@scholarships360)
College Board Scholarship Search
ScholarSnap Scholarship Search
Chegg Scholarship Search
GoodCall Scholarship Search
SuperCollege.com Scholarship Search
Collegedata.com Scholarship Finder
Winning the scholarship game
Follow these tips to increase your chances of earning scholarships:
Don’t pay for scholarship services! Free resources include ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org, your school counselor’s office, and EducationQuest offices in Omaha, Lincoln, and Kearney.
Focus on college-based and local scholarships. You’re more likely to earn them over large national awards.
Continually update your activities, honors, and volunteer or paid jobs using the Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org.
Earn the best possible ACT/SAT scores by taking the exams in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior year.
Use quality references such as a teacher, coach or counselor. Give them advance notice, a specific deadline, and a copy of your Activities Resume.
Ask at least two people to proofread your application.
Pleasanton Local Scholarships
Applicants can apply for one or all of the following local scholarships, depending on eligibility. The application template can be downloaded and completed for each of the scholarships. The template's title should identify the scholarship for that application. All materials (application, resume and letters of reference) need to be turned in to Mr. Bednar by 12:00 noon, April 3, 2019.
Some of the local scholarships include an interview as the application process. Students can prepare by reviewing the interview criteria sheet. The date of the interview will be announced. All scholarship checks for the recipients will be awarded for second semester college costs, based on completion of the first semester of college work. Students will need to complete a "Verification of Enrollment" (VOE) that includes first semester college grades and second semester enrollment of courses.
The Phillips Insurance Agency Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $500 used for second semester college costs.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendation, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. In addition, the applicant must complete at least a one paragraph essay on the topic: "As an adult citizen, how do you plan to use your 'volunteer efforts' to make your community a better place to live." Selection of the recipient by Phillips Insurance will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Ercil Philips Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities through out high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and
citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $500 used for second semester college costs.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendation, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient by the Phillips family will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Town and Country Bank Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $500 used for second semester college expenses.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient by the Town and Country Bank will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Pleasanton School Staff Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $400 used for second semester college costs.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendation, include a high school transcript, and return all
information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Pleasanton Education Association Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior, intending to enter an education or teaching career; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $400 used for second semester college costs.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Pleasanton Community Theater Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $150 used for second semester college costs. Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Pleasanton Lions Club Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $500 used for second semester college costs.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Business of Pleasanton Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $150 used for second semester college expenses. Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Pleasanton High School Band Boosters Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities
throughout high school, especially instrumental music at PHS; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership.
Amount: $100 used for second semester college costs.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form; include two letters of recommendations; include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Gwen Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a declared education major, interested in pursuing a teaching career; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. One 2018 graduating senior will be awarded this scholarship, with preference to education as a major. If no senior is pursuing education, a second preference for selecting the recipient will be nursing or another health related career. Amount: $1000 used for second semester college expenses. Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendation, include a high school transcript and professional appearing resume. Return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process and the scholarship interview. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning in Nebraska.
The Faye Wendt Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Preference may be given to student who will attend UNK, majoring in education, but this preference is not mandatory. Amount: $250 used for second semester college expenses.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient by the Wendt family will be based upon the application process and the scholarship interview. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Betty Zwiener Rodehorst Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Selection of the recipient by the Zwiener family will be based upon the application process and the scholarship interview. Amount: $500 used for second semester college expenses.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Colene Riessland Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second
semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Preference may be given to student who will attend UNK, majoring in education, but this preference is not mandatory. Amount: $500 used for second semester college expenses.
Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient by the family will be based upon the application process and the scholarship interview. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Kurt Keaschall Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Preference may be given to student who will attend a two year technical school, majoring in education, but this preference is not mandatory. Amount: ($1000) used for second semester college expenses. Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendations, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process and the scholarship interview. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
The Pleasanton Community Fund - Career Builder Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: $1000 used for second semester college expenses. Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendation, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. Selection of the recipient will be based upon the application process and the scholarship interview. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning in Nebraska.
The Pleasanton United Methodist Church Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements: Must have participated in school and community activities throughout high school; be a graduating PHS senior; use this scholarship for second semester college costs; must have maintained a record of good character and citizenship; academic record; grades; goals; financial need; and leadership. Amount: (undetermined) used for second semester college expenses. Application Process: Applicant must complete the application form, include two letters of recommendation, include a high school transcript, and return all information to Mr. Bednar by April 3. To receive the scholarship money for second semester, the student must be enrolled full time (12 hours / credits or more) in an accredited, tax-exempt school, institution of higher learning.
Maggie Thompson Memorial Scholarship
Posted by bbednar in Scholarships on February 14, 2019
The Maggie Thompson Memorial Scholarship application deadline is March 22, 2019. This scholarship program will awarded by the Goodwill Industries, to a student living with a disability and who demonstrates their independence to complete an educational program for employment. A letter of application must be sent to: The Maggie Thompson Scholarship Committee, Attn: Kim Buschkoetter, PO Box 1863, Grand Island, NE 68802-1863 Questions can be directed to Kim at KIMB@GOODWILL.ORG / 308/380-3344
Nebraska Coaches Association/Country Inn & Suites Scholarship
Posted by bbednar in Scholarships on January 21, 2019
The Nebraska Coaches Association/Country Inn & Suites Scholarship application deadline is April 15, 2019. This fully funded scholarship program will award eight recipients $1,000.00 after successfully completing one semester at an accredited college or university. District I & II will have two scholarships awarded within each district. Districts III – VI will have one recipient in each district.
Application form and other information regarding the scholarship can be found at:
https://www.ncacoach.org/lincolninnsuites.php
Criteria:
1) Upper 25% of class -OR- 3.75 Cumulative GPA
2) Must be at least a 2 year participant in 2 sports
3) Must have earned a varsity letter in 2 sports
4) Must include at least two letters of recommendation from high school coaches
5) ACT minimum score of 24
Better Business Bureau Scholarships
Posted by bbednar in Scholarships on January 17, 2019
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Foundation serving Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa is notifying you that it is accepting applications from high school seniors for the 2019 Scott Mecham BBB Student of Integrity Awards.
This year, three students from Metro Omaha/Southwest Iowa and three students from Metro Lincoln and Greater Nebraska will each be granted $2,000 college scholarships.
These scholarships are not based on ethnicity, need or grade point average, but recognize students who exemplify ethical behavior and personal integrity, and who demonstrate humility, courage, compassion and respect for their peers, teachers and community — values of the BBB.
The application guide with complete instructions and required forms can be accessed at bbb.org/nebraska by clicking on the link “Student of Integrity Award Scholarship” on the bottom of the homepage. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, March 8, 2019 and sent to BBB’s office in Lincoln to be considered by the judges. Scholarship winners will be announced in April.
Aside from the obvious benefit to the students, these awards are also a wonderful opportunity for your institution to be publicly recognized!
For more information, please contact BBB Communications Director Margo Riekes at 800-649-6814 #8526, 800-649-6814 #8526 or mriekes@bbbinc.org.
Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship
Posted by bbednar in Scholarships on January 17, 2019
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, young people spend an average of 7.5 hours a day consuming media–and this doesn’t include computer use for schoolwork. With technology always at the ready at your fingertips, it can be a challenge to unplug. But taking a break from technology is healthy for both the mind and body. The Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship is offered to help you understand the negative effects of too much screen time. For more information on technology addiction, please see these articles.
You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The deadline to apply is January 30, 2019. The application can be viewed here.
JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Posted by bbednar in Scholarships on January 17, 2019
The JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest is currently available to high school students. The winner of this competitive annual contest is awarded a $10,000 prize and is invited to accept the award at the Profile in Courage Award ceremony held each May at the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.
Who is eligible to apply for the JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest?
The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories; and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas. Past winners and finalists are not eligible to participate. Employees of John Hancock Financial Services and members of their families are not eligible to participate.
Requirements:
Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count.
Essays must be the original work of the student.
John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Edward M. Kennedy are not eligible subjects for essays.
Essays must describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. The official may have addressed an issue at the local, state, or national level. See Contest Topic and Information and Helpful Tips for Writing Your Essay for more information.
Essays about past recipients of the Profile in Courage Award will be disqualified unless they describe an act of political courage other than the act for which the award was given.
Essays about the senators in Profiles in Courage will be disqualified.
Essays must have a minimum of five sources.
The winner receives a $10,000 cash award. The winner and her/his family are invited to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston to accept her/his award and participate in Profile in Courage Award events from May 18 – 20, 2019. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the trip to Boston for the winning student and her/his parents.
Second-place winner receives $3,000.
Five finalists receive $1,000 each.
Eight semifinalists receive $100 each.
Ten students receive honorable mentions.
The nominating teacher of the first-place winner is also invited to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library to receive the John F. Kennedy Public Service Grant in the amount of $500 for school projects encouraging student leadership and civic engagement. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the trip to Boston.
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation.
The contest deadline is January 18, 2019. Further details and the application can be viewed here.
GE – Reagan Scholarship
Posted by bbednar in Scholarships on January 3, 2019
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program, a generous program for high school seniors, will soon be accepting applications. This program looks to reward college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education.
To be eligible for this award, applicants must:
demonstrate at school, at the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship;
demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent);
be citizens of the United States of America;
be current high school seniors attending high school in the United States (students living on U.S. Armed Forces base and homeschooled students are also eligible); and
plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year.
In addition, semifinalists must be nominated by an eligible community leader, such as a high school principal, elected official or executive director of a nonprofit organization, and must provide documentation to certify academic performance and financial need. Finalists will be interviewed via Skype or telephone by a member of the selection committee. Learn more about the qualifications of a GE-Reagan Foundation Scholar.
Counselors and teachers, download the flyer 2018_ge-reaganscholarship_trifold_for web.
Qualified candidates may apply online through January 4, 2019 or until 25,000 applications are submitted, whichever comes first. Candidates must complete the secure online application and all of its components prior to the deadline or before 25,000 applications are submitted. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. If the program reaches 25,000 applications before 11:59 PM CST on the deadline date of January 4, 2019, it will automatically close.
Each year, the program selects numerous recipients to receive a $10,000 scholarship renewable for up to an additional three years (up to $40,000 total per recipient)! Information and details can be viewed here.
Drive Smart Scholarship
Posted by bbednar in Scholarships on January 3, 2019
The Drive Smart Contest, sponsored by CTIA Wireless Foundation, is on the road again! Students can put on their creative thinking caps and enter an original digital short about the dangers of distracted driving for a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship and other prizes. Students can also download our form to help them earn community service hours for their work.
CTIA Wireless Foundation Drive Smart Contest ( “Competition”) is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who are between the ages of 13 and 18 at the time of entry.
An entry must fully answer all of the questions in the online entry form (hereinafter “entry”) providing information about your Digital Short and upload or provide link to a supporting media video file. The Idea/Entry must have been conceived by the entrant and be the sole and original work of the entrant.
The entry must:
a.Be a video between fifteen (15) seconds and sixty (60) seconds in length, whose message is to convince teens of the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of not texting while driving (“Digital Short);
b.Be submitted as an uploaded file (either .mov, .wmv, or .mpg4) or link;
c.Be in the American English language;
d.Be submitted through the Contest entry workspace on the Website.
e.Be received and recorded by the Administrator’s Contest computer by January 6, 2019 at 11:59 PM (EST).
Prizes and Approximate Retail Values:
One (1) grand prize winner will receive: (1) a scholarship in the amount of $10,000.00 to be issued in the form of a check; and (2) a check to his/her teacher/mentor in the amount of $1,000.00 (ARV: $11,000.00 USD).
Two (2) runner-up’s will each receive: (1) a scholarship in the amount of $5,000.00 to be issued in the form of a check; and (2) a check to their teacher/mentor in the amount of $500.00 (ARV: $11,000.00 USD)
Three (3) finalists will each receive: (1) a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00 to be issued in the form of a check; and (2) a check to their teacher/mentor in the amount of $250.00 (ARV: $3,750.00 USD)
Fourteen (14) semifinalists will each receive: (1) a certificate of achievement; and (2) a letter from The Wireless Foundation acknowledging their accomplishment (ARV: $0.00 USD)
The competition ends on January 6, 2019. The scholarship application site can be viewed here.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Posted by bbednar in Scholarships on January 3, 2019
“The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a 501(c)3 public charity, managed by an independent Board of Trustees. The Program which was named for the late Secretary of Commerce and inspired by his dedication to public service focuses on encouraging civic engagement among Scholars while promoting academic excellence, community, and lifelong interactions. Recipients are young African Americans of outstanding promise who are offered academic scholarships, service opportunities, and leadership experiences.”
Must be Black/African American.
Must excel academically.
Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.
Must participate in community service activities.
Demonstrate financial need.
Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.
Be a current high school senior at the time of your application. NOTE: Current college students are not eligible to apply.
How much is the Ron Brown Scholar Program scholarship worth?
Ron Brown Scholars receive four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year).
Early Applicant Deadline: Interested applicants who complete their applications by November 1st will be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program and will be eligible to have their contact information forwarded to a select number of additional colleges and scholarship providers. Students who apply under this deadline must make the appropriate designation on their application. Applicants are still responsible for submitting materials to any colleges, universities and scholarship programs for which they are interested.
January 9: Final postmarked deadline in order to be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program ONLY. The application site can be viewed here.