Description: The Foundation offers scholarships exclusively for graduating Kearney seniors. These scholarships are designed to help alleviate financial burdens and support students as they pursue higher education. 

Number of Scholarships: 4

Type of Criteria: Applicants must be graduating Kearney seniors and demonstrate involvement in school and community activities.

Description: KSD employees generously donate to the Education Foundation through the "Pay It Forward" payroll deduction campaign. With these donations, KSDEF can offer an additional $1,000 scholarship to a Kearney senior. The "Pay It Forward Scholarship" honors these staff members and celebrates their generosity in a way that recognizes their commitment to giving back to their students and community. Click here to view a list of teachers and staff contributing to the P.I.F. campaign.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Type of Criteria: Applicants must be a graduating Kearney senior and demonstrate involvment in school and community activities and plan to pursue a career in the education field.

Description: In memory of three Oak Park High School graduates: Jeff Sanderson, Jason Gwin, and Kyle Storrs. Friends whose lives were claimed in a car accident on April 1, 2001. This scholarship was established by the JJK Children’s Memorial to honor their memory and their friendship. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Criteria: Instead of a traditional essay, this scholarship requires you to create something depicting your idea of friendship.  It can be a written essay, song, poem, work of art, video, etc.  The scholarship recipient will be determined based on the originality and creativity of their submission.  

Description: In memory of Jack Wolters, a Kearney High School student.  Jack was an avid lover of books, nature, animals, video games, and memes. He ran cross country and track. He strived to include everyone and make them laugh. He always had a hacky sack, deck of cards, or frisbee to entertain his friends and family. He was best known for his charming personality and won people over with his eyes, dapper hats, and crazy shirts.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Criteria: Must be a Kearney High School graduate who is an active member of their church community, who lives to serve others, and who has ADHD/ADD.

Description: In memory of Woodrow Long, who lovingly shared countless stories from his youth about his father, Dr. Thomas Long, a rural veterinarian, with his grandson David leaving a lasting impression on him. In 2004, Dr. David Leighr acquired Long Veterinary Clinic in Kearney, preserving and continuing Dr. Thomas Long's legacy. To carry forward this family tradition and honor his grandfather, Dr. Leighr generously extends the Woodrow Long Memorial Scholarship each year to aspiring high school seniors who aim to pursue a career in the veterinary field.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Criteria: Must be a Kearney High School graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA and who plans to pursue a career in the veterinary field.

Description: The Meyer Tax & Accounting Scholarship, established by Sheryl Meyer, is dedicated to supporting and promoting interest in the accounting field among female students. By offering this financial assistance, the scholarship seeks to encourage more women to pursue careers in accounting, fostering diversity and excellence within the field. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Criteria: Must be a female Kearney High School graduate who plans to pursue a career in accounting or business.

Description:  The Meinert Family Scholarship Fund honors the memory of the late Ken Meinert and his family.  Ken's original commitment to the Kearney community and school district laid the foundation for his family to remain intricately involved for the past 50 years.  From sports to academics to service, Ken took great pride in watching his two sons and three grandsons sustain his dedication to the community and his wife, Kathy, who retired after teaching for 24 years in Kearney schools.  The family wishes to continue Ken’s legacy and zest for life by honoring him, for future generations of Kearney graduates who exhibit similar qualities, to support their pursuit of further educational goals. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Criteria: Must be a Kearney High School graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate involvement in school and community activities, and submit an essay describing a personal experience that reflects pride in being a Kearney Bulldog.