By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — North Platte, McCook and Gothenburg high schools are among 24 Nebraska schools receiving new funding aimed at helping more students pursue education after graduation.
EducationQuest Foundation announced it is awarding a total of $187,500 in College Access Grant funding to Nebraska high schools over the next four years.
North Platte High School will receive $15,000 annually, totaling $60,000 over the four-year grant period. McCook High School and Gothenburg High School were also selected for funding.
McCook High School will receive $10,000 annually, while Gothenburg High School will receive $5,000 annually. Together, the three area schools are set to receive $120,000 over the next four years.
The grants are designed to help schools develop and expand programs that encourage students to consider college and other opportunities after high school. Funding can support college-going experiences, family engagement and resources to help students make informed decisions about their futures.
“Each of these schools is committed to helping students see the possibilities available to them after high school,” EducationQuest Vice President of Grants and Scholarships Eric Drumheller said. “These grants provide schools with additional resources to create meaningful college-going experiences, engage families, and help students make informed decisions about their futures.”
North Platte High School was selected in the 1,000-to-1,999 student enrollment category, while McCook High School was among schools with enrollments between 400 and 999 students. Gothenburg High School was selected in the 150-to-299 student category.
EducationQuest awards College Access Grants every two years through a competitive application process. Schools selected for the program receive funding for four years.
Since the program began in 2006, EducationQuest has awarded $7.83 million in grants to 123 Nebraska schools. The next application cycle will begin in the fall of 2027.