Student Scholarships
OPS Students,
Are you an upcoming graduate interested in learning more about Omaha Public Schools Foundation scholarship opportunities?
Omaha Public Schools Foundation administers scholarships for Omaha Public Schools graduating seniors. You can preview the scholarship requirements here and apply online.
The Omaha Public Schools Foundation strives to raise new scholarship dollars each year to provide optimal funding for Omaha Public Schools graduating seniors the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education, while growing established endowments. #OPSFpossible
Please contact your high school counselor and/or scholarship committee for information on all scholarships offered through the district.
How to Use the Application Portal | Opens November 1, 2024
The portal will remain open through March 1, 2025, 12:00 pm.
- Your Portal Login: Use your personal email to create a login. This will help you access your portal after graduation, and keeps you connected with the Foundation.
- Fill In Details:
- Personal Info: Address, phone number, gender, and ethnicity.
- School Info: Current high school, weighted GPA.
- Intended College Major: You can select more than one, so think about all possibilities that interest you. This will impact which scholarships you are eligible for.
- School History: OPS elementary, middle, and high schools you attended.
- Sample Essay 1:
- Create a short essay (preferably in Word to be uuploaded into the corresponding portal field) answering “Tell us about yourself. In your response, include important things you would want us to know about you and discuss a meaningful time/experience in your life that has shaped who you are.”
- Sample Essay 2:
- Create a short essay (preferably in Word to be uploadded into the corresponding portal field) answering “Why I Want To Further My Education?”
- Certain scholarships may ask you to complete essays on addditional or alternate questions/topics?
- Additional documents:
- Résumé,
- Unofficial high school transcript from your Campus Portal app.
- Recommendation: Provide email address of a recommender. Not all scholarships require a letter of recommendation, but you will be eligible for more if you have this completed. Choose Scholarships: You will be shown scholarships for which you are eligible. Some scholarships will require extra details or essays. Click the green Save button to save your progress and come back later.
- Submit: Double-check your information and click the Submit button. Once you have submitted, you are not able to go back in and change anything.
- Deadline: March 1, 2025, 12:00 pm.
APPLICATION TIPS:
- Applying is worth your time! Even a small scholarship could buy you books or necessities.
- Write them on paper or on a computer first, then upload the final version into the portal. Check your grammar, spelling, and formatting. You can submit essays and resumes to the Paper app for feedback too! Submit original compositions only.
- Complete your applications with quality and care. Donors want to support thoughtful and intentional college students.
- Don’t be afraid to speak highly of yourself. You are worthy of recognition for your hard work and achievements.
- Ask your reference before you enter their name. Make sure they are willing to write you a POSITIVE letter of recommendation. If they already have a letter on file, it will be easy for them to send it to multiple organizations on your behalf.
OPSF Scholarship Preview
Dr. Danita Webb Memorial Scholarship
Purpose: This scholarship, established in memory of Dr. Danita Webb, will be awarded to a graduating North High School senior continuing their studies in the field of education. Dr. Webb was a dedicated leader and a tireless advocate for public education in the Omaha...
Dolly Pesek Memorial Scholarship
Purpose: To provide one time financial assistance, for one Omaha Public South High School senior. Amount:$1000.00 payable to the student’s chosen school. Verification of enrollment should be sent directly to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation for payment directly to...
South Omaha Scholarship Fund
Purpose:To provide financial assistance to a student seeking post-secondary education in the fields of engineering, education or medicine. Amount:One renewable $2,000 scholarship. Eligible Schools:Omaha South High School Selection Criteria: Based equally upon...
Jason Combes (Class of 2010) Annual Omaha North High Scholarship
Purpose: To provide a scholarship to a graduating Omaha North High school senior planning to attend an accredited four-year school of higher learning in Nebraska commencing in the summer or fall term following graduation. Amount: One renewable $3,000 scholarship,...
Chandler Sanders Green Scholarship
Chandler (Sanders) Green (Class of 2010) Annual Central High Scholarship Purpose: To provide a scholarship to a Central High school senior who demonstrates a strong work ethic and compassion for others. Amount: $500 payable to an educational institution of recipient’s...
Gomez Elementary PTO Scholarship
Purpose: To provide one time financial assistance, for two Omaha Public Schools seniors, who participated in the Gomez Heritage Dual Language Program. Amount: $500 payable to an educational institution of each recipient’s choice. Verification of enrollment should be...
David Daughton Memorial Scholarship
Background: David Daughton grew up in Creston, Iowa and graduated from Creighton University. He taught elementary school at Conestoga Elementary in the late 1960’s through the National Teacher Corps. He then became a leading researcher in smoking cessation studies for...
Drs. Shashi and Subhash Bhatia Family Scholarship
Background of Donors: The Bhatia’s immigrated from Republic of India about 50 years ago. Each came with a medical degree. They both worked at Creighton University School of Medicine and have retired as Professor Emeriti. They strongly value education as a way to...
Buffett Middle School Scholarship
Purpose: To provide one time financial assistance, for two Omaha Public Schools seniors, who attended Buffett Middle School. Amount: $500 payable to an educational institution of recipient’s choice. Verification of enrollment should be sent directly to the Omaha...
Teri Kinkead Memorial Scholarship
Teri Kinkead Memorial Scholarship Purpose: Teri Kinkead was a devoted mother and had a successful career as an accountant. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, she attended Adams Elementary School, Lewis and Clark/Monroe Junior High Schools and Central High School....