Applications Due Feb. 15th for High Demand Jobs Scholarships

Graduating seniors, current college students or underemployed workers seeking future careers in Phelps County are encouraged to apply for high-demand jobs scholarships.

The scholarships assist students who plan to return to Phelps County to work after graduation. This year, the criteria is broadened. Students in any field of study are welcome to apply.  However, preference will be given to high-demand areas, such as manufacturing/production, agriculture, construction and maintenance, medical, and education. Preference is also given to students studying at a two-year technical or trade school as opposed to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

The scholarships are funded through LB840 sales tax funds, Phelps County Development Corporation investors, and a matching grant from the Phelps County Community Foundation.

Applications are due February 15th and are available through the Phelps County Community Foundation’s scholarship portal at www.phelpsfoundation.org. 

As part of the application, students will need to write an essay of 200 words or less that tells why they wish to return to Phelps County.

Scholarship recipients must agree to live and work in Phelps County for at least one year for every thousand dollars they receive. Scholarship recipients who do not return to Phelps County will be asked to repay the scholarships. 

In the 10 years of the program, $267,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Awards typically range between $1,000 and $6,000 per student. Former scholarship recipients are employed across the county in farming, agriculture, insurance, medical and manufacturing trades. Some have even started businesses.

For further information about the scholarship, please contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or email Sally@PhelpsCountyNE.com.