Brian Slobotski Memorial Scholarship

Purpose:

This scholarship is in memory of Brian J. Slobotski, a 2010 Omaha North High graduate, who despite his limited mobility due to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy was able to inspire individuals to overcome their own challenges and make a positive impact on the world.

Eligible Schools:

Omaha North High will submit 5 eligible candidates by March 1st of the current school year to the Omaha Schools Foundation.

Selection Criteria:

A graduating senior at Omaha North High who has thrived in the face of adversity. Special consideration will be given to active football players and/or student managers.

  1.  Submit an essay describing how you have overcome adversity in your life and what your future career goals are. Show participation in community service activities, school clubs or organizations. 
  2. Student must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or higher upon graduation.
  3. Student must be pursuing further education at an accredited educational institution, college or university.
  4. Student must provide 2 non-family letters of recommendation from counselors or teachers demonstrating excellent character and reputation.
  5. Attach a current resume.

Amount:

$2,000.00

$1,000 each semester for one year will be payable to the accredited educational institution, college or university upon the Omaha Schools Foundation’s receipt of verification of enrollment from the institution chosen by the recipient and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor. Please provide certified transcripts to the Omaha Schools Foundation in semester 2 for payment of the second $1,000.00. A minimum GPA of 2.5 must be maintained.

*The BJS Scholarship may be re-applied for each year students remain in school and meet the above grade and non-academic goals, items 3 and 4. 

Administered By:

The Omaha Schools Foundation & Brian J. Slobotski Scholarship Committee

Please send applications to:
Toba Cohen-Dunning
Omaha Schools Foundation
3861 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE 68131

Carol Van Metre “Active in Making Lives Better”

Carol Van Metre contributed in a big way: She was involved in fundraising for more than $35 million in sports-related projects, most aimed at giving inner-city kids a stronger foothold on the field and in life. She was a champion of the children and families of the Omaha Public Schools and neighboring communities.

In honor of Carol’s contributions, a Scholarship Fund has been created in her honor. Donations can be made online through the Omaha Schools Foundation secure payment gateway. Please designate “The Carol Van Metre Scholarship” when donating.

Carol Van Metre Scholarship Fund

Purpose:          To provide financial assistance to a student seeking post-secondary education in the memory of Mrs. Carol Van Metre, a strong advocate for quality education and supporter of Omaha South High School.  Carol and her husband Dave have worked tirelessly over the years to level the playing field for OPS students with their suburban counterparts, ensuring the highest quality facilities and enrichment east of 72nd Street. Carol was a beloved teacher in the Denver Public Schools for many years and it was always an important part of her life to support education.

Eligible School:            Omaha South High School

Selection Criteria:

  1. Recipient must demonstrate financial need;
  2. Recipient must have shown good citizenship and participated in extra- curricular activities throughout high school;
  3. Preference will be given to students pursuing a career in Education;
  4. Recipient must intend to pursue a 4-year post-secondary education at an accredited institution; and
  5. Student should present two letters of recommendation from faculty (no relatives of the student will be accepted).

Selection Process:          

Selection will be made by the South High School Principal and the school’s scholarship committee, with input from the counseling department.  Amount will be payable to the college or university upon the Omaha Schools Foundation’s receipt of verification of enrollment from the institution chosen by the recipient. A “Thank You” note to the donor is required and can also be sent to the Foundation.

Amount:          $2,000.00

Administered By: Omaha Public Schools Foundation

Castelar Elementary PTO Scholarship

Purpose:

To provide financial assistance for two graduating Omaha Public Schools seniors who attended Castelar Elementary School.

Amount:

Two –  $300 checks payable to an educational institution of recipient’s choice.  Verification of enrollment should be sent to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation for payment directly to the institution.

Eligible Recipients:

Two graduating seniors from an Omaha Public Schools High School who attended Castelar Elementary School for a minimum of three years.

Selection Criteria:

  1. Student must submit the PTO Common Scholarship Application with all of its requirements.
  2. Student must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.
  3. Student must submit a current transcript.
  4. Student must submit a short essay answering the questions, “What I remember most about my elementary school experience? ” and “Why do I want to further my education?”

Selection Procedure:

Final recipients will be chosen by the Scholarship Committee of Castelar Elementary PTO. The award will be forwarded to the recipient’s college of choice upon receipt of proof of enrollment and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor. 

Administered by:

Omaha Public Schools Foundation

Charles Bowman Scholarship

Charles BowmanCharles Bowman was a lifelong educator, teaching mathematics and physics in the Omaha Public Schools for 34 years and at Metropolitan Community College for 12 years. He chaired the Math/Science Department at Bryan High School, wrote physics curriculum, led scholarship committees, and advocated for student learning throughout his career. He graduated from Peru State College (1968) and earned his Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois (1974). Chuck was raised in Plattsmouth, NE playing football in High School. He was an avid Huskers fan and fisherman, and enjoyed making wooden toys for his grandchildren. He has served the community in many ways through his leadership in Boy Scouts, YMCA coaching, and Church.

To apply for this scholarship, check with your school counselor.

Eligible Recipient:       

Graduating OPS Bryan student who will be pursuing a college degree in the field of (or related to) Math or Science.

Amount: 

$ 2000 upon verification of enrollment from an accredited institution (renewable for one year $1000)

Selection of Recipients:     

Bryan High Scholarship Committee

Selection Criteria:         

  1. Candidates must submit a completed application in the Omaha Public Schools Foundation Portal.
  2. Candidate must include their high school transcript.
  3. Candidate must hold a 2.0 GPA or higher
  4. The award will be based on financial need and lack of other financial aid sources.

Selection Process:

You will be notified before May 1st if you are chosen as the recipient by the selection committee. The award will be forwarded to the recipient’s college of choice upon receipt of proof of enrollment and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor.

Administered by: The Omaha Public Schools Foundation

You may send Memorials to:

The Charles Bowman Scholarship
OPS Foundation
3861 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68131

Use the link below to send an online donation.

Christopher King Memorial Scholarship

Purpose:

Christopher King was a 1984 graduate of Benson High School. He was a beloved classmate and friend who was deeply involved in basketball, gymnastics, music and the arts.

Eligible Schools:

Benson High School

Selection:

  1. Must have participated in the Benson Design Academy and the music or arts programs.
  2. Must be pursuing a degree in a field related to the arts.

Amount:

$500 Award

Administered By:

The Omaha Public Schools Foundation

 

Core Bank Scholarship

Purpose:

To provide a scholarship for an Omaha Public Schools graduating senior from Benson, Bryan and South High Schools to a student who demonstrates a strong work ethic, passion for volunteering in their community and helping others, and commitment to post-secondary education.

Amount:

$2,000.00 each

Selection Criteria:

  1. Character/Citizenship
  2.  Minimum GPA 2.75/Self-motivated
  3.  Submit Financial Aid Form
  4.  Submit student’s transcript and resume
  5.  Submit a short essay (500 words) Describe a volunteer opportunity you have been involved in that demonstrates passion and willingness to serve your community and to help others.
  6.  Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher and/or administrator.

Selection

Process: 

Up to three students may be nominated by each school.  Applications that have not strictly followed the guidelines will not be considered. The recipient will be chosen by sponsors of the scholarship.  Sponsors may also wish to meet with recipient.

The award will be forwarded to the recipient’s college of choice upon receipt of proof of enrollment and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor.

*Please note that the donors would like to see financial information as well as a letter of recommendation from the counselor or a teacher.

Administered By: 
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Toba Cohen-Dunning, Executive Director
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
By: March 1, 2022