Be a Catalyst for Change, Innovation and Creativity Through Entrepreneurship
Supported by the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship, the cohort-based program provides first-year students of any major with a $1,000 scholarship, valuable connections, community and experiences as they explore their purpose and recognize their entrepreneurial potential.
Apply for the 2026-27 Cohort
Apply Now
Priority deadline: February 1, 2026
Final Deadline: April 1, 2026
Program Benefits
As an Entrepreneurship Catalyst, you have exclusive, weekly opportunities to help you explore entrepreneurship on campus, in the community and within yourself. You’ll make valuable connections to entrepreneurs and members in the community and have support from faculty, staff and upperclassmen as you prepare for optional competitions and programming. Catalysts are immersed into the entrepreneurship ecosystem with support from the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship team.
$1,000 Scholarship
Entrepreneurship Catalysts are awarded a $1,000 scholarship throughout their first year. The scholarship provides $500 for each semester of program completion.
Exclusive Immersive Learning Opportunities
You will explore available resources and spaces, work collaboratively while exploring entrepreneurial concepts and participate in center-hosted programming with your peers and the support of faculty and staff.
Valuable Connections and Experiences
You will visit local businesses, meet with local entrepreneurs and Nebraska alumni and forge connections with guest speakers who understand the importance and impact of entrepreneurial education.
2024-25 Catalysts
Jordan Aschoff
Management (Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management)
Jack Beals
Business Administration
Gavin Dunlap
Finance
Andreas Katsaounis
Business Administration
Sammy Kendeigh
Management (Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management)
Avery Lockridge
Management
Thomas Subiabre
Construction Management
Aiden Zimmerman
Finance
How to Become an Entrepreneurship Catalyst
Apply by completing a short application and describing your experiences and curiosity with entrepreneurship and your career goals.
Application requirements include:
1
Admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as a first-time freshman
2
2.5+ cumulative high school GPA
3
Completed application with two written or video essays by April 1
Fall 2026 Applications Due April 1, 2026
Apply Now
If you are experiencing issues with uploading the document or video, please email your files to Mallory Krenk at mkrenk2@unl.edu. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I'm from out-of-state?
Yes! All domestic students are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Do I need to interview to receive this scholarship?
No. The selection committee will use the information provided in the application to select scholarship recipients.
When do I find out if I have received the scholarship?
Everyone who applies to the scholarship program will be notified of the selection results. Notifications will be sent to the email address provided in the application on or before April 1.
When would I receive the scholarship?
This first-year scholarship is awarded over two semesters to students’ MyRED account. For example, if you successfully complete the fall semester, $500 will be applied to your account in December and used for the spring semester. The remaining $500 of the scholarship can be applied to the summer session or the following fall.
What does this scholarship cover?
The scholarship can be applied to tuition and fees. It cannot be applied to room and board.
