Resources for Media

EducationQuest Foundation - your resource for college access information

Rising tuition costs, limited state-based aid, and college access issues facing Latinos, African-Americans and other underrepresented minorities are just a few of the education issues regularly making headlines.

As a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska, EducationQuest is a valuable resource for Nebraska media on education-related issues. The National College Access Network (NCAN) has designated Lincoln-based EducationQuest Foundation as a "statewide network for college access." This means we have the expertise and means to serve as the primary resource in Nebraska for those needing services, materials or information related to college access.

About EducationQuest
EducationQuest Foundation is a Nebraska nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. We fulfill our mission through free college planning services, need-based scholarship programs, college access grants and outreach services.

EducationQuest funds its programs and services through a permanent endowment established nearly 10 years ago when the Nebraska Higher Education Loan Program (NEBHELP) converted from a nonprofit secondary market for student loans to a for-profit corporation providing similar services. EducationQuest used the proceeds from the sale of the loan portfolio to create the permanent endowment.

We have provided free college planning services for over 20 years. Prior to 1998, we served Nebraska families through what was known as the Educational Planning Centers.

Where we're located
Lincoln – Headquarters
1300 O Street (northeast corner of 13th & O)
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-475-5222
800-303-3745

Kearney
2706 Second Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
308-234-6310
800-666-3721

Omaha
Rockbrook Village (108th & W. Center Road)
11031 Elm Street
Omaha, NE 68144
402-391-4033
888-357-6300

Who to contact for media-related inquiries:
Tricia Dunn, Director of Media Relations
402-479-6666
triciad@educationquest.org

KnowHow2GONebraska

Big dreams and good grades aren't enough to get into college. Department of Education studies show that 8 out of 10 students expect to earn a bachelor's degree – but few know what it takes to fully prepare for college.

In response, KnowHow2GO took the extensive to-do list for college planning and created four simple steps that students can follow – with the help of adult mentors. In our state, the campaign is called KnowHow2GONebraska.

The four steps are:

Be a pain – in a good way. Find an adult who can help you with the steps to college. Let everyone know you want to go to college. And don't stop until you find the adult who can help.
Push yourself. Colleges require you to take certain classes in high school. Find out which classes and sign up!
Find the right fit. Think about interests and activities that you enjoy. Explore colleges with programs that suit your interests.
Get your hands on some $$$. There's money out there to help pay for college. Apply for it!

The KnowHow2GO campaign is sponsored nationally by the American Council on Education, Lumina Foundation for Education, and the Ad Council — and in Nebraska by EducationQuest Foundation.

College Planning Services

EducationQuest has college planning offices in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha where we have resources that help students and parents:

research colleges
explore careers
find scholarships
prepare for the admissions process
complete and file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
learn about student loans

All services are free and most are by appointment to provide families with one-on-one assistance.

Students and parents also learn about college planning and financial aid through our statewide college fairs, educational planning programs and financial aid programs.

We create college planning handbooks, newsletters and brochures and distribute them to students and parents across the state. You may order our materials online at no charge. Some of our materials are also available in Spanish.

Outreach Services

Through our Outreach Services, we take our free college planning services and presentations to community agencies and business across the state.

Outreach services include FAFSA completion, career exploration, and college and scholarship searches. We also provide on-site presentations covering topics such as EducationQuest services; college planning and financial aid; adult learner issues; and managing college debt.

Scholarship Programs

EducationQuest Scholarship Program
This program provides approximately $1.2 million in scholarship funding each year to Nebraska's nonprofit public and private colleges. The colleges then award the funds to eligible students who demonstrate financial need, which may include middle-income as well as low-income students.

Reaching Your Potential Scholarship Program
Students who face significant obstacles to higher education are the target of this need-based, renewable scholarship program which provides approximately $100,000 in scholarships each year. Applicants are referred to the program by statewide community agencies and colleges.

Guidance Counselor Enrichment Scholarship
Each year, we select six Nebraska guidance counselors to attend a national or regional college admission or career conference. We pay for conference expenses, including travel. In addition, we provide a $1,000 award to each counselor for the purchase of college or career planning materials for their guidance office.

College Access Grants Program

Unveiled in FY06, EducationQuest College Access Grants provides funding for Nebraska high schools that wish to develop or enhance existing college access activities within their school. The program's goal is to increase the number of students going to college in Nebraska.

Schools that receive grant funding will provide college-going rates for graduating seniors for each year of funding.

In 2006, EducationQuest funded college access programs at 13 high schools, and an additional 13 high schools in 2008.

Under 300 students – $5,000 each year for four years
Between 300 and 1,500 students – $15,000 each year for four years
Over 1,500 students – $25,000 each year for four years

Partnerships

Improving access to higher education is a goal shared by many Nebraska educational entities and we're proud to work with many of them in that quest. Our partners - and the programs we coordinate with them - include:

American Council on Education, Lumina Foundation and the Ad Council – KnowHow2GONebraska
University of Nebraska and Nebraska Department of Education – P-16 Initiative that addresses college-access needs for students in preschool through college
Nebraska Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers – College Fairs and Educational Planning Programs
Great Plains Association of College Admissions Counselors – Omaha and Lincoln College Affaire
Nebraska Educational Television – Promotional opportunities through championship high school sports and UNL Volleyball and the production of 10-minute videos that help families plan and pay for college
Nebraska Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators – High School Guidance Counselor Training
Nebraska Department of Education and the Nebraska Department of Labor – Exploring Careers publication and the Nebraska Career Connections Web site