Drs. Shashi and Subhash Bhatia Family Scholarship 

Background of Donors:

The Bhatia’s immigrated from Republic of India about 50 years ago. Each came with a medical degree. They both worked at Creighton University School of Medicine and have retired as Professor Emeriti. They strongly value education as a way to advance in life.

Purpose:

To promote education and self-sufficiency among African American girls from North Omaha. The goal is to promote opportunity for girls to engage in education for 2-3 years that can help them become eligible for a secure job and could be a stepping stone for future higher education. Our focus is health care and a related field such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Medication Aide, Associate Degree in Nursing, Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Emergency Medical technician, Health information Management, Pharmacy Technician, Business Administration, Computer and office technology, culinary arts, Massage therapy, cosmetology and esthetics are few of the suggestions.

Scholarship:

$1000.00/semester or $500.00 quarterly scholarship to be awarded to two senior women students who meet the criteria.

Selection Criteria:

Student is from an Omaha Public Schools located in North Omaha who meets the following criteria:

  1. Graduate of Omaha Benson, Omaha Central, Omaha North or Omaha Northwest High Schools
  2. Grade point average of 3.0 or higher validated by school transcript
  3. Positive citizenship and spirit of volunteerism
  4. Validation of financial hardship through financial information
  5. Confirmation of acceptance in either 2- or 4-year post-secondary educational institution.
  6. Short essay (250-500 words) describing how the candidate has dealt with hardships and how the education will help in serving family and community.
  7. Two letters of recommendation from teachers or administrators testifying to students’ ability in dealing with hardship and describing interpersonal and cognitive strengths of the student.

Administered by:

Omaha Public Schools Foundation, Executive Director/Scholarship Committee in consultation with Bhatia Family representative(s). Funds will be transferred to the educational institution upon validation of proof of admission sent to the OPS Foundation, 3861 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68131 or .

Omaha Public Schools Winter Guard

WinterGuard Logo

The Omaha Public Schools Winter Arts program looks to engage color guard students in all high schools through full year instead of just the summer and fall. By combining schools and resources, we are able to bring an activity to parts of the OPS community that historically have had little to no participation as well as creating a collaborative space for students to develop connections and relationships with their peers throughout the district.

We anticipate the cost of the 2022-2023 season will range from $150 to $200 per student, which we do not ask them to pay out of pocket. Any little bit can help ensure that this activity can flourish within our community.

Buena Vista Home School Partnership

BUENA VISTA HIGH SCHOOLThe Buena Vista School Home Partnership (BVSHP)is the parent and family organization for Buena Vista High School.  This group supports the involvement of families in the educational experiences of their students at Buena Vista and includes four subcommittees:

  • School support
  • Parent education
  • Athletic boosters
  • Fine arts boosters

As families choose to donate to the BVSHP they can select one of the subcommittees to direct their funds, or the BVSHP as a whole.  Thank you for your support of Buena Vista High School!

Monroe Student Council Fundraiser

Monroe MustangsThe students of Monroe Middle School are excited to announce a brand new Student Government Organization. Monroe is a Title I, low income school located in Nebraska. We have one of the most diverse schools in our school district, serving over 800 students in the community that represent cultures from all over the world.

We are looking for funds to get us started. Most Student Councils, StuGos, ASB’s, etc. have been in schools for awhile, giving them many years of fundraising opportunities and a healthy budget to work with.

Since this is our first year, we are in need of A LOT of supplies in order to be successful. We have an incredible team of students that are preparing to serve our school and they are excited to meet the challenge of starting our organization from the ground up.  We have already started successful projects such as our weekly Student Store, and our very first Spirit Week of the year.

We appreciate your support and look forward to a great year!

Carol Van Metre “Active in Making Lives Better”

Carol Van Metre contributed in a big way: She was involved in fundraising for more than $35 million in sports-related projects, most aimed at giving inner-city kids a stronger foothold on the field and in life. She was a champion of the children and families of the Omaha Public Schools and neighboring communities.

In honor of Carol’s contributions, a Scholarship Fund has been created in her honor. Donations can be made online through the Omaha Schools Foundation secure payment gateway. Please designate “The Carol Van Metre Scholarship” when donating.

Carol Van Metre Scholarship Fund

Purpose:          To provide financial assistance to a student seeking post-secondary education in the memory of Mrs. Carol Van Metre, a strong advocate for quality education and supporter of Omaha South High School.  Carol and her husband Dave have worked tirelessly over the years to level the playing field for OPS students with their suburban counterparts, ensuring the highest quality facilities and enrichment east of 72nd Street. Carol was a beloved teacher in the Denver Public Schools for many years and it was always an important part of her life to support education.

Eligible School:            Omaha South High School

Selection Criteria:

  1. Recipient must demonstrate financial need;
  2. Recipient must have shown good citizenship and participated in extra- curricular activities throughout high school;
  3. Preference will be given to students pursuing a career in Education;
  4. Recipient must intend to pursue a 4-year post-secondary education at an accredited institution; and
  5. Student should present two letters of recommendation from faculty (no relatives of the student will be accepted).

Selection Process:          

Selection will be made by the South High School Principal and the school’s scholarship committee, with input from the counseling department.  Amount will be payable to the college or university upon the Omaha Schools Foundation’s receipt of verification of enrollment from the institution chosen by the recipient. A “Thank You” note to the donor is required and can also be sent to the Foundation.

Amount:          $2,000.00

Administered By: Omaha Public Schools Foundation

Core Bank Scholarship

Purpose:

To provide a scholarship for an Omaha Public Schools graduating senior from Benson, Bryan and South High Schools to a student who demonstrates a strong work ethic, passion for volunteering in their community and helping others, and commitment to post-secondary education.

Amount:

$2,000.00 each

Selection Criteria:

  1. Character/Citizenship
  2.  Minimum GPA 2.75/Self-motivated
  3.  Submit Financial Aid Form
  4.  Submit student’s transcript and resume
  5.  Submit a short essay (500 words) Describe a volunteer opportunity you have been involved in that demonstrates passion and willingness to serve your community and to help others.
  6.  Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher and/or administrator.

Selection

Process: 

Up to three students may be nominated by each school.  Applications that have not strictly followed the guidelines will not be considered. The recipient will be chosen by sponsors of the scholarship.  Sponsors may also wish to meet with recipient.

The award will be forwarded to the recipient’s college of choice upon receipt of proof of enrollment and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor.

*Please note that the donors would like to see financial information as well as a letter of recommendation from the counselor or a teacher.

Administered By: 
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Toba Cohen-Dunning, Executive Director
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
By: March 1, 2022