Objective
To identify new high school students from families who are income eligible to participate, who show academic promise; and to partner with the high school to maximize their opportunities for graduation from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Student Selection
In early spring of the freshmen year, a limited number of students from selected high schools will be selected. A committee composed of high school personnel, in consultation with UNK staff, will review available information and select participants using the following criteria:

Demonstrated academic promise, ability, and motivation to participate
First-generation college prospect (neither parent has a bachelor's degree; or if single parent, the single parent does not have a bachelor's degree)
Nebraska resident and citizen or permanent resident of the United States
Parent/guardian commitment to have the child participate
Pell Grant eligible

High School Program
The participating high school will provide:

Directed advising
Tutoring
Mentoring
Transportation to UNK for motivational experiences and exposure to opportunities here on campus
Professional staff member to direct high school's involvement and to be liaison with UNK staff

UNK will provide

Professional staff member to direct UNK's involvement and be the liaison with the high school
On-campus programming designed to motivate the students to earn a University degree
Assistance with financial aid, scholarship, and financial planning sessions for students and parents

College Program

Directed academic and career advising
Tutoring
Mentoring
Guaranteed financial aid assistance for the cost of attendance (The financial commitment the University makes is subject to changes in federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies)

Requirements for Continuation in the Program

While in High School
Students will be required to complete the core courses identified by UNK for admission to the University. The required courses include:

3 years of mathematics: Algebra I & II plus geometry
4 years of college-prep English
3 years of science
3 years of social studies
2 years of the same foreign language
1 year of an academic core elective (preferably a 4th year of math)

In addition to completing a course of study that meets the UNK Admission requirements, these college preparatory students will:

Attend and participate in all Kearney Bound activities at your school and at UNK.
Complete the PLAN (pre-ACT) in their sophomore year
Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.85 and a minimum 2.5 in the core courses. Students who fail to meet these grade requirements at the end of the sixth semester (Junior year of high school) can be dismissed from the program
Register for ACT three times starting no later than April of the junior year (ACT waivers will be provided to those eligible for one exam)

While attending UNK the students will:

Earn a 2.5 grade-point average each academic year while taking a minimum of 12 credit-hours a semester
Show involvement in at least two student organizations annually

Kearney Bound Application

Please submit your application by March 1, 2025.

First Name

Please use your legal name.

Middle Name

Last Name

Previous Name(s)

Birthdate

Permanent Mailing Address

City

State

Zip Code

Personal, Non-School Email Address

Mobile Phone

Racial/Ethnic Information

This section is optional; data for statistical purpose only

Career Interest

Residency

Do you claim to be a legal resident of Nebraska for tuition purpose?

YesNo

In what state are you a resident?

How long have you been living continuously as a resident in Nebraska?

Country of Citizenship

Permanent resident alien card number

Education

High School

High School Id

What year will you graduate High School?

Are either of your parents graduates of a four-year college or university?

YesNoI don't know.

Parent / Guardian #1

First Name

Last Name

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Home Phone or Mobile

Daytime Phone or Mobile

Email Address

Parent / Guardian #2

First Name

Last Name

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Home Phone or Mobile

Daytime Phone or Mobile

Email Address

Almost Done. After you submit this form, please also provide:

Pell Grand Eligibility

Please log onto https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/ and complete this application using your most recent federal tax return or family income information. Please submit a copy or screenshot of this estimator.

Your Essay

In a 5 Paragraph Essay - Please explain the value of an education and how the Kearney Bound program would help you meet your educational and career goals. On another sheet of paper, please provide a list of activities you participate in, both in and out of school.

Citizen of Another Country

Please submit a copy of your resident alien card.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney and your high school have made a significant commitment to the Kearney Bound program. While the program requires commitment from both UNK and your high school, it especially requires commitment from the students who are selected to participate in this program. These students will be expected to work hard in high school to prepare for UNK. If you are successful in this program, the University of Nebraska at Kearney will help fund your education.

By submitting this form, you certify the following:

This information will be shared with both UNK and your high school.
All information is completely true, and accurate.
Your parent or guardian consents to your submitting this application.
You understand that any information given falsely or withheld may make you ineligible for the Kearney Bound program.