Smith Scholarship

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What is the Smith Diversity Scholarship?

LFS awards renewable scholarships for students attending 4-year university or trade school up to $15,000 per year. Due to the flexibility of these funds – intended to help students beyond the traditional tuition, books, and housing – this is one of the most unique scholarships available in the country.

The mission of the Smith Scholarship is to provide a post-secondary education to Nebraska’s graduating seniors from underrepresented backgrounds with financial barriers, who display academic aptitude, leadership, determination toward goals, and a spirit for making an impact.

Please note:

  • Applications are open December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025.
  • No minimum GPA, SAT or ACT requirements.
  • Two letters of references requested (One letter of reference required. Requests for references can be made through the submission portal).
  • Students will need to upload the following in the application: essay, high school transcript.
  • Applicants must be an ethnic minority with a household income under $75,000. Financial documentation is not required as part of the initial application, but may be requested of finalists.
  • Applicant must be a 2025 graduating senior attending a Nebraska public, private, charter school, or home school association, or have obtained their GED.
  • Applicants must plan to begin their freshmen year of post-secondary education the following academic year.
  • Applicants must be in the United States legally.
  • Awards will be announced in April 2025.

Have questions? Contact Sallie Weathers at sallie.weathers.OneLFS.org. 

See our Smith Scholars

University Funding

  • Up to $15,000/yr scholarships available.
  • For a 4-year college/university.
  • No fee to apply.
  • No SAT, ACT or Minimum GPA requirement.
  • Must live in and be graduating from a Nebraska high school.
  • Annual household income below $75,000.
Apply for University Funding

Trade School

  • Up to $12,500/yr scholarships available.
  • For a 2-year trade school.
  • No fee to apply.
  • No SAT, ACT or Minimum GPA requirement.
  • Must live in and be graduating from a Nebraska high school.
  • Annual household income below $75,000.
Apply for Trade School Funding