NebraskaLand University
Financial Learning for Life
High school seniors: Learn about budgeting, savings, credit, loans, identity theft protection, and more!
Contact UsMeet NebraskaLand University
NebraskaLand University is a free, six-course financial literacy scholarship program designed to educate high school seniors from North Platte and surrounding areas on budgeting, savings, credit, loans, identity theft protection and more. The curriculum uses established financial literacy materials and lesson plans created and instructed by officers at NebraskaLand Bank.
Class size is extremely limited. To be considered, students must complete an application. Each graduate of the program receives a $250.00 academic scholarship if all requirements are met. Each graduate also has the opportunity to earn greater scholarships through an essay contest that is judged by a bank committee. Students with the highest scores are the recipients of scholarships in the amounts of $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place.
Please Note: We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024/2025 class. For more information, call 308.534.2100 or email NLUniversity@nlnb.com.
Course Descriptions
Intro to NLU & Careers in Banking
Students will receive welcome packets for the program with instruction on class expectations and graduation requirements. Students will tour the bank and learn about the various departments and job opportunities available in the banking/finance industry. The book The Millionaire Next Door will be given as required reading homework.
Budgeting & Savings
Students will learn how to create a basic and practical budget and learn how to save a portion of their earnings. Key budgeting and savings tips that coincide with technology will be provided in addition to knowledge of future expenses students may encounter in the real world. They will be encouraged to stick to their budgets and asked to track their progress while enrolled in NLU.
Identity Theft & Cyber Security
Students will learn about trending scams, how to protect their identity, and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
Economy 101 & Building Wealth
Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of economics. They will discuss current economic news and how it affects us and will affect our future. Students will learn the difference between wealth and income. An analysis of the required book, The Millionaire Next Door, will help students learn the principles of building wealth and how financial responsibility will benefit their future.
Credit & Loans
Students will learn the difference between good credit and bad credit. They will also learn why credit is important, how to obtain good credit, and how to manage their credit. We also teach about lending and why students may need a loan for college, why loans can be a good thing, and best loan repayment practices.
Strategies to Pay for College
Students will learn about strategies to pay for their college education without an unhealthy reliance on student loans, learning the importance of knowing what it means to borrow, and the reality of the future expense commitments of graduating with student loan debt. The difference between private loans, federal loans, and other types of financial aid will also be discussed.
Graduation Requirements
In order to become eligible to graduate, students must:
Attend all six sessions
Complete all coursework as assigned
Submit an essay following the criteria provided
Graduation Requirements
In order to become eligible to graduate, students must:
Attend all six sessions
Complete all coursework as assigned
Submit an essay following the criteria provided
Meet Your Instructors
Meet Your Instructors
– NebraskaLand University 2022 graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Each year runs from October through April, excluding January.
There will be one session per month, excluding January, for a total of six sessions. Each session will last approximately 75 minutes with a start time of 7:00 pm through 8:15 pm.
Sessions are generally the first Monday of each month from October through April, excluding January. Any changes will be communicated as early as possible, except in cases of weather-related postponements. In the event of severe weather, NLU representatives will notify each student directly.
Each student who successfully completes the program and meets all the graduation requirements will receive:
- A $250 academic scholarship
- A free NLU sweatshirt
- A free copy of the book students are required to read
- A certificate of completion
- Strategies to pay for college education without reliance on student loans
- Invaluable knowledge of personal finance
- A chance to be the essay contest winner and recipient of:
- 1st Place: $1,000 academic scholarship
- 2nd Place: $750 academic scholarship
- 3rd Place: $500 academic scholarship
Each year a NebraskaLand Bank committee reviews applications. The Bank will select the students they feel will benefit the most from the program through active participation and genuine interest. Applicants will be selected based on the letter of recommendation and resume provided and the responses to the application questions. Answers should exhibit a sincere, personal commitment, motivation, and interest in learning the principles of personal finance. The program is a significant investment of bank resources and it is vitally important that the students give each instructor the utmost respect as they are donating their time and knowledge.
Students must submit proof of enrollment or receipts for educational expenses for the summer/fall semester of the same year they graduate from the program. The Bank can issue the scholarship check directly to the college or student. Please note that these funds are to be used for your direct educational expenses: tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and other expenses associated with your courses of instruction. Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, scholarship funds used for anything other than the above expenses may constitute taxable income to you.
Students are expected to notify NLU representatives prior to an absence. Two absences are allowed, but the student is responsible to coordinate their makeup session in order to graduate.
Applicants must:
- Attend school and reside in North Platte or surrounding areas
- Commit to full participation in the program, including six sessions, completion of coursework, and makeup sessions if applicable
- Demonstrate motivation and a sincere desire to learn the principles of personal finance
- Submit a complete application, including signature by a parent or guardian as well as a letter of recommendation and resume
The program is offered to students for free.
Contact Us
Questions? Contact us here!
