Prospective Kearney Bound Students

Application

• The Kearney Bound application will be available to students at participating high schools from February 1st to May 1st of freshmen year.

Basic Requirements a student must meet to be eligible for the Kearney Bound program

• First-generation college prospect
• Neither parent/guardian has a bachelor’s degree.
• Nebraska resident and U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Students must have a valid  Social Security number verified through  the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Demonstrate academic promise
• Interest in attending the University of Nebraska Kearney

Student Selection Process
In early spring of the freshman year, students from partnering 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 a single parent, the single parent does not have a bachelor’s degree)
• Nebraska resident and U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Parental commitment to have the child participate
• Likely Pell Grant Eligible

Steps to follow: 

1. Kearney Bound applications are available February 1st of the freshman year
2. A typed essay by the student is required with the application
3. Applications are due March 1st of the freshman year
4. Selection is by a committee of high school and UNK staff
5. Scholarships are awarded in May of the freshman year

 

Benefits of Kearney Bound Program for High School Students

• Personalized Attention
• Academic Plan
• College Financial Promise leaving college with minimal to no debt

Benefits participating high schools provide KB High School Students:

• Directed advising
• Designed to prepare students for the rigors of academic work at the university level.

• Mentoring

• Transportation to UNK for motivational experiences and exposure to opportunities on campus (x2 per year)
  
  
• Professional staff member to direct UNK’s involvement and be a liaison with the UNK staff
  
  
• Two Fee waivers for ACT tests, (first ACT in April of Junior year, second ACT in October Senior year)

UNK will provide KB High School Students

• Professional staff member to direct UNK’s involvement and be a liaison with the high school
• On-campus programming designed to motivate KB students to earn a University degree

• Assistance with financial aid, scholarship and financial planning sessions for students and parents.

Benefits of Kearney Bound Program for University Students

KB Students enroll in the fall of their freshman year in the University Foundations class.

University Foundations is a semester-long, transition class.

Course topics include clarifying educational and personal goals, developing self-awareness, exploring majors and careers, getting involved in campus life, approaching new challenges, understanding university resources, studying at a college level, reading and test taking tips, writing and speaking strategies, managing time effectively, critical thinking, and financial literacy.

• Directed advising
  • Designed to prepare students for the rigors of academic work at the university level.
  • Participants are encouraged in a variety of ways to be successful. They are encouraged academically to:

• Tutoring
  • Participants receive tutoring during the school year to assist with classes of which they need additional support.

• Mentoring
  • Participants receive individualized attention to plan success in academics and personal achievement. Plans are developed on the needs of the student to make sure they are on the right track for success.

• Guaranteed financial aid coverage

Basic Requirements 

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: 

• 4 years of English must include intensive reading and writing. 
• 3 years of Mathematics: Algebra I & II plus geometry 
• 3 years of Natural Science
• 3 years of Social Science
• 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) will be dismissed from the program
• Register for ACT two times starting no later than April of the junior year (ACT waivers will be provided to those eligible for one exam) 

Character Requirements 
Kearney Bound students with character make moral and ethical decisions, promote honesty, and carry themselves with integrity. While in the program students will: 

• Follow their respective high school’s student handbook, rules, and regulations. 
• Maintain positive relationships with high school teachers, administration, community members, and peers. 
• Have no criminal charges in adult or juvenile court. Anything other than minor traffic violations must be reported to UNK immediately.
• Refrain from posting anything derogatory on any social media about the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney Bound affiliates, educators, professors, and/or peers.
• Participate in leadership activities in the assigned high school and/or community including but not limited to: athletics, student council, clubs, and/or community service.
• The Kearney Bound Coordinator, and other professionals in the program (including the Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Aid, educators, parents, siblings, and/or school counselors) maintain the right to discuss legal matters pertaining to Kearney Bound students and share it with essential personnel to maintain the integrity of the program.