Smith Diversity Scholarship

Accepting applications for the graduating class of 2024. Deadline is January 28, 2024.

What is the Smith Diversity Scholarship?

Lutheran Family Services (LFS) proudly offers the Coyner and Donna Smith Diversity Scholarship. The vision of this scholarship is to provide post-secondary education to Nebraska’s graduating seniors from underrecognized backgrounds, facing financial barriers, who display academic aptitude, leadership, determination toward goals, and a spirit for making an impact.

In 2024, LFS will award four renewable scholarships of $25,000 per year to four-year institutions and two renewable scholarships of $12,500 per year to two-year trade school institutions. Students can attend any accredited institution.

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.

University Funding

  • $25,000 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 is less than $65,000.

Trade School Funding

  • $12,500 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 is less than $65,000.