Lutheran Family Services established the Coyner and Donna Smith Diversity Scholarship Fund to provide a college education for graduating high school seniors from low-income, minority families who are residents of Nebraska.
$25,000 scholarships are awarded annually to fund recipients’ college education regardless of where they have been accepted. These scholarships are renewable for four years.
Students who are interested in trade or vocational schools are also eligible to apply. Trade school applicants will receive $12,500, or one-half of the $25,000 grant, renewable for two years.
Students must be graduating from a Nebraska high school or obtain GED in the current academic year and plan to enter freshmen year of post-secondary in the fall of that academic year.
Eligibility:
- Be a resident of Nebraska at the time of graduation
- Show financial need *Financial need is defined as a low-income family whose adjusted gross family income is $65,000 or lower annually
- Preference will be given to applicants from disadvantaged ethnic backgrounds that do not identify as Caucasian
Applications for the class of 2023 will be available in September of 2022.
FAQs
Is there a fee to apply?
No. There is no fee to apply for the Smith Diversity Scholarship.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the application?
We encourage you to review the FAQ to locate answers to any questions you may have. If you do not find an answer to your question, please email mmcdowell@lfsneb.org or call 402-681-7024.
Where does funding for the Smith Diversity Scholarship come from?
The Smith Diversity Scholarship is funded through the generosity of Donna and Coyner Smith. Lutheran Family Services received a $3,000,000 gift to establish the Coyner and Donna Smith Diversity Scholarship Fund to provide a college education for graduating high school seniors from low-income, minority families who are residents of Nebraska.
When is the deadline for submitting applications?
The Smith Diversity Scholarship application will open on September 1 and close on January 31, 2022, by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time.
I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?
No, due to the number of applications submitted, applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
I am a home-schooled student, can I apply?
Yes. To apply as a home-schooled student, you will need to write in “Home School” for your school name.
Is there a minimum SAT or ACT score requirement?
No. There is no SAT or ACT requirement.
Is there a minimum Grade Point Average requirement?
No. There is no minimum GPA requirement for applying.
I’ve already received my GED/Diploma; do I qualify?
Yes. Completion of GED within the calendar year of the application cycle or proof of GED
completion by selection date is required.
*Proof of GED will be required if selected
What academic and financial information will need to be provided?
If awarded the Smith Diversity Scholarship, the student’s academic information (i.e. GPA, class ranking, coursework, etc.) will need to be verified as well as proof of financial need. Financial need is defined as a low-income family whose adjusted gross family income must be $65,000 or lower.
Is this Scholarship renewable?
Yes. The scholarship is renewable if criteria are met. The recipient must maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA from each semester to renew the award. The scholarship provides an award annually to the recipient for up to four years, maximum eight semesters, or receipt of a bachelor’s degree
(whichever occurs first) for undergraduate study, or up to two years, maximum of four semesters, or receipt of degree if attending a trade school, at the institution of their choosing.
*Recipient will have the opportunity to appeal the decision on non-renewal to the selection
committee to explain circumstances. The selection committee has final authority.
Which school should I list on the application if I have not made a final decision?
You should list your first-choice school on the application. If selected as a recipient, you will be asked to confirm your final school choice.
Is there an income limit?
Yes, an applicant’s adjusted gross family income must be $65,000 or lower.
Do I have to be a United States citizen to apply for a scholarship?
No, you need to be a documented resident of Nebraska.
Am I required to submit proof of NE residency?
Yes. Applicants who are selected for a scholarship and are not born in the United States but who are Nebraska residents are required to verify their residency by providing proper documentation.
When are the winners notified? Are applicants who have not won also notified?
Applicants that are awarded will be notified via phone and email by April. Applicants who have not been selected will be notified by email near the end of April.
If I am awarded a Smith Diversity Scholarship, how will I receive my money?
Yearly payments shall be made directly to the Scholarship Recipient’s school account in two equal payments: half in Semester 1 (fall semester) and half in Semester 2 (spring semester) once renewal criteria is met. Scholarship packages do not apply to the summer semester.
If the Scholarship Recipient’s tuition bill is less than the allocated awarded per year, the Scholarship Recipient shall retain the additional funds to assist with other expenses.
Can I use a Smith Diversity Scholarship at any college and for any major?
Yes. The scholarship can be used at any college or trade school for any major.
The scholarship provides an award annually to the recipient for up to four years, maximum eight semesters, or receipt of a bachelor’s degree (whichever occurs first) for undergraduate study, or up to two years, maximum four semesters, or receipt of degree if attending a trade school, at
the institution of their choosing. Four-year programs will receive $25,000 per year and two-year programs will receive $12,500 per year.
If I am awarded other scholarships or financial aid, does it affect my eligibility for the Smith Diversity Scholarship?
No. If you are awarded other scholarships you are still eligible for the Smith Diversity Scholarship. Excess funds go to the recipient to assist with other personal expenses.
Will references be contacted?
Yes. The reference will receive an email with the recommendation form. They should expect the form to be emailed to them within 24 hours of the student applying for the scholarship. The reference must be professional and come from a teacher, school administrator, counselor, coach, employer, clergy, or other adult mentor in your life. Recommendations from family members, family friends (including neighbors), or personal friends will NOT be accepted.
All recommendation forms must be submitted by Jan. 31st
