The Engebretson Scholarship Foundation, established in 2006, recognizes exceptional students and supports them in the fullfillment of their potential.

Each year, scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who are recognized for their academic achievements and leadership ability.


The amount of this scholarship will be $5,000/Semester to be used for tuition, room and board, and/or fees. If needed, the amount may be adjusted, case by case, at the discretion of the foundation's executive director. The person receiving the scholarship will have the opportunity to reapply each year.


To begin the application process, please review the Application page.

The Engebretson Scholarship Foundation was founded in 2006 by the family of the late David J. Engebretson. David J. Engebretson, a native of South Dakota, was a prominent business man who always held children close at heart. Mr. Engebretson had a dream, a dream to "always give back." He supported many organizations and hospitals through donations, always focusing on the needs of a child. The Engebretson Foundation is based on this dream and founded to carry on the dream.

August - December

  • Contact your school counselor - your counselor plays a big role in helping you get into college. Meet to talk about your college plans and review your transcript.
  • Stay involved in extracurricular activities to improve your teamwork and leadership skills. Create and/or update your Activities Resume for use with admissions and scholarship applications.
  • Finish your college visits and narrow your selection to 3-4 schools.
  • Organize materials into separate files by college.
  • Consider taking the ACT and/or SAT to improve your test score. Colleges use your top score when awarding college-based scholarships. Make sure your scores are sent to each of your colleges.
  • Apply for admission to your top 3-4 colleges - be sure to apply before the college's deadline.
  • Apply for scholarships; be sure to visit http://www.educationquest.org/scholarshipquest/ to start your search.
  • Ask your guidance counselor about other local awards.
  • Apply for college-based scholarships.
  • Visit free, online scholarship sites to apply for national scholarships.

December

  • Try to wrap up college applications before winter break. Make copies of each application before you send it.
  • Contact the financial aid office at the colleges on your list to see what financial aid forms they require.
  • Visit and explore http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Make sure to request your pin number for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  • Visit the "Completing the FAFSA" section at EducationQuest.org for free tools to help you prepare.

January - March

  • Have your counselor send your first-semester grades to colleges that require a mid-year grade report or colleges with late academic scholarship deadlines.
  • Contact your colleges and confirm that all necessary application materials have been received.
  • Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  • Continue to perform well in school and don't get seniorits; colleges want to see strong second-semester grades.
  • Register for AP Exams you want to take in May.
  • Read carefully any admission decisions that arrive this month; some may require action on your part.

April

  • Compare the financial aid award letters that arrive this month and make a final decision.
  • Mail the enrollment form and deposit check to the college you select before the May 1 enrollment deadline (for most colleges).
  • Notify all colleges applied to with your final decision.

May

  • If you take any AP Exams, make sure your AP score report is sent to your college.
  • Request final high school transcripts are sent to chosen college.
  • CELEBRATE GRADUATION!

June - July

  • Make sure to sign up for first-year orientation.
  • Plan your first-semester courses. Choose subjects that interest you and may become your college major.
PDF Download College Timeline
Levi Campbell

Levi Campbell

High School Attended: Broken Bow High School

College of Attendance: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Major: Computer Engineering

Future Goals: I plan to major in Computer Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I hope to study abroad at some point in my future as I am very interested in foreign cultures and global relations. After the completion of my degree, I intend on either finding a fulfilling job or starting my own company where I can create new and innovative products to change the world. I want to be able to use my skills to help benefit others.

Paulina Valderrabáno

Paulina Valderrabáno

High School Attended: Harry A. Burke High School

College of Attendance: John Hopkins University

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Future Goals: I hope to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Hopkins and then either enter the work force, or pursue a Graduate program at Johns Hopkins University. Upon completing my formal education, I intend to Research and develop medical equipment, prosthetics, artificial organs, or a number of other projects as an employee of a government or in the private sector. I hope to make a positive impact on society by using my degree to apply my medical and biological knowledge to the analysis, design, and implementation of engineering.

Yashswee KC

High School Attended: Millard West High School

College of Attendance: Creighton University

Major: Biology

Future Goals: After majoring in Biology, I would like to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center to study medicine. I eventually want to become a radiologist.

Cameron Charles Alley

High School Attended: Harry A. Burke High School

College of Attendance: Aarhus University of Denmark/University of Nebraska at Omaha

Major: Liberal Arts: History & Education

Future Goals: Study abroad.

Sineah Ny-Chelle Young

High School Attended: Omaha Northwest High School

College of Attendance: Creighton University

Major: Biology

Future Goals: I have a passion for helping people within the North Omaha Community. Although I am a busy college student planning to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 2013, I also spend my time as a volunteer, coaching a girls basketball team I played on when younger. I hope to become head coach one day and use the Law Degree I hope to attain by 2016 to develop the organization into a greater non-profit organization in able to reach a vast number of young girls than ever before.

Kayla Smith

High School Attended: Marian High School

College of Attendance: Colorado School of Mines

Major: Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Future Goals: My short term goal is to graduate from the Colorado School of Mines next May and explore a possible career in medical research. Outside of my academic pursuits, I am also working toward completing my first marathon. Hopefully, many doors open for me in the future.

The Engebretson Foundation is in the process of seeking a high school senior to receive a one-year $5,000/Semester scholarship. All applicants must meet the following criteria:

a. Financial Need

b. Academic Merit: Score a 28 composite or higher on the ACT exam (or at least 1240 on the SAT exam); GPA 3.75 or above and/or top 5% of graduating class (other factors considered will be strength of academic course schedule and/or academic improvement).

c. Leadership Potential: factors considered include teacher recommendation (see application), work experience (after school job, etc.), extra-curricular activities, and community service.


To apply for scholarship consideration, please download and complete the Application for Scholarship and Teacher Recommendation forms, then print and mail the forms to the address listed on the application.


Our selection process will be neutral to gender, race, and employment status.

Is this scholarship available for anyone?
The Engebretson Foundation Scholarship is awarded yearly to a graduating high school senior.

Do I have to reapply each year to receive my award?
Yes. Students must submit grades afer each semester, along with an update of activities and plans for the semester ahead.

Do I need to maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) to retain my award?
Yes. To retain the Engebretson Scholarship, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress. You may retain the award on a semester-to-semester basis. Under these guidelines, students must maintain fulltime enrollment and their eligibility is checked after each semeser except for the summer. However, students who enroll full time for the summer will have thier eligibility checked at the end of the summer term.

How will my eligibility be affected if I decide to drop a course(s)?
You should never drop a course without talking to the financial aid office at your institution. Full-time (12+ hours) is the enrollment status you must maintain throughout the semester. Dropping a course(s) without a documented medical or personal reason may cause you to permanently lose your Engebretson Scholarship eligibility.

If I decide to take a semester off, how will my award be impacted?
All award recipients must maintain continuous enrollment at an eligible postsecondary institution. Summer session is not required.

If I lose my award, can I regain it?
No. Students who fail to meet the renewal requirements and lose the Engebretson Scholarship cannot regain the award.

How long can I receive the Engebretson Scholarship?
Students who meet all criteria to retain the Engebretson Scholarship may continue to receive the award until the student has earned a baccalaureate degree or four (4) years have passed from the date of the student's initial enrollment at any eligible postsecondary institution.

Where can I use the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship?
The Engebretson Scholarship may be used at any accredited (4-year) postsecondary institution approved by the Foundation Board.

If I change schools, how do I transfer my award?
If you transfer to another eligible postsecondary institution, you can transfer your award by contacting the Engebretson Foundation to notify of transfer status. You can also list your new institution as the first choice on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The college of attendance must be notified of the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship requirements.

What is done with tax documents and FAFSA information?
Upon selection of a recipient, all tax documents and application information are professionally shredded for confidentiality purpose.

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