UnitedHealthcare, News Channel Nebraska and University of Nebraska supporters Beth and John Godbout collaborated with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to provide the Future of Nebraska Scholarship, awarding $25,000 to Nebraska high school graduates. The new scholarship recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership potential and encourages them to make an impact in their state.

“The Future of Nebraska Scholarship program is an exciting collaboration that will help Nebraska residents pursue their higher education dream and increase their access to a degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. With this scholarship, we hope to support students who are strong academically but may not qualify for other types of funding,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance.

Five Nebraska high school graduates will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to use during their first year at Nebraska. Eligible students must plan to graduate from high school in the fall of 2023 or spring of 2024, have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, be admitted to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for the fall of 2024, and be a Nebraska resident. Preference will be given to students who plan to pursue a degree in the College of Business majoring in accounting, actuarial science, agribusiness, business administration, business and law, economics, finance, international business, management, marketing or supply chain management.

Longtime supporters of the College of Business, the Godbouts of Paradise Valley, Arizona, serve on the college’s campaign committee and as University of Nebraska Foundation Trustees. The gift was made through the University of Nebraska Foundation and supports Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, which strives to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. The campaign’s biggest priority is students.

Rob Broomfield, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare of Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, has worked at the company for 19 years. As a Nebraska Business graduate, he wanted to provide students with an education like he had.

“UnitedHealthcare is committed to supporting local communities across the state. We like to invest in the future and what better way to do that than to invest in our students,” Broomfield said.

He added that UnitedHealthcare’s long-standing relationship with the University of Nebraska made it an easy decision to partner with the College of Business and News Channel Nebraska on the new scholarship. 

“Business students can take the knowledge they’ll gain during their college experience and apply it to many different career paths,” Broomfield said. “I got my start at the College of Business, so maybe one of UnitedHealthcare’s future leaders may also start their career through this program.”

Current Nebraska Business students already making an impact while in college will be featured by News Channel Nebraska to help promote the scholarship program. The five recipients of the new Future of Nebraska Scholarship also have the opportunity to be featured.

“At News Channel Nebraska, our commitment goes beyond broadcasting; it’s deeply rooted in caring for Nebraska and its promising future. By spotlighting the journeys of our exceptional young talent, some of whom are scholarship beneficiaries, we aim to both inspire and showcase the immense potential within our state,” said Andy Ruback, chief executive officer at Flood Communications, which includes News Channel Nebraska.

The priority deadline to apply for the new scholarship and admittance to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is Nov. 1, 2023.

To apply for the Future of Nebraska Scholarship, students must complete the application form and answer an essay question in written or video format at https://business.unl.edu/futureofnebraska.

Student nominations for the scholarships are also being taken from school leaders and community members on the same website. Nominated students will receive a phone call and an email from college representatives encouraging them to apply.

Recipients will be notified of their scholarship award through email on Feb. 1.