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University of Nebraska–Lincoln Nebraska College Preparatory Academy

Program Overview

The Nebraska College Preparatory Academy (NCPA) is an innovative college access program that prepares first-generation students from income eligible families for college and their future careers. NCPA scholars who successfully complete NCPA high school requirements have access to the support of a community of peers, academic support, and personal development opportunities throughout college. NCPA’s college scholars also receive full financial assistance to pay the cost of college, including tuition, books, room and board, and fees.

 

Learn more about NCPA’s goals to serve as many high school scholars as possible, and set them up for success in college.

Program Overview

THE PILLARS OF EXCELLENCE

NCPA provides academic, social, and college preparation through the Pillars of Excellence: Knowledge, Character, and Commitment.

KNOWLEDGE

NCPA Scholars strive to gain new and innovative knowledge by achieving academic success both inside and outside of the classroom.

CHARACTER

NCPA Scholars will make moral and ethical decisions, promote honesty, and carry themselves with integrity.

COMMITMENT

NCPA Scholars illustrate their commitment by meeting obligations set by the NCPA program, their respective high schools, and the college they attend.

Outcomes

NCPA is uniquely positioned within the university system, allowing program staff to leverage their understanding of higher education to prepare scholars to flourish and thrive within university structures. NCPA incorporates a strengths-based approach to scholar retention strategies. NCPA’s one-to-one philosophy provides a positive alternative to most retention programs—to focus on the unique strengths that first-generation college students bring to college.

portrait of Ellie Mora

KNOWLEDGE, CHARACTER, AND COMMITMENT

Ellie Mora
My childhood taught me to be independent, brave and a leader. Most importantly, it taught me never to let the world push me down. NCPA is the reason I am ambitious and the reason I can go to college.

portrait of Karla Hernandez Granillo

FINDING SUPPORT SYSTEM

Karla Hernandez Granillo
Both of my parents are from Hidalgo, Mexico. My number one goal is always to make my family proud, which is something I have stuck to these past few years.

portrait of Alex George

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Alex George
My favorite part of NCPA is how supportive the NCPA scholars and staff are. NCPA has opened many doors for me and made me more confident.

 

Learn more about how NCPA’s proven model has positively impacted the lives of its scholars and their families.

Student Success Stories

Future Scholars

NCPA seeks academically-talented students who will be attending Grand Island Senior High School, Omaha North High Magnet School, or Omaha South High Magnet School. 

Learn how to apply for NCPA, and make college a reality.

Future Scholars

High School Scholars

Explore what it is like being an NCPA high school scholar—from the requirements to the exclusive opportunities.

 

Learn more about NCPA High School Scholars.

High School Scholars

College Scholars

Getting to college isn’t the end of the road of NCPA. See how college scholars are supported from their first day to their graduation day.

Learn more about NCPA College Scholars

Staff

SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

OMAHA SOUTH WELLNESS COUNSELOR

UNL ACADEMIC COUNSELOR

OMAHA NORTH PROGRAM ASSOCIATE

SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, OMAHA SOUTH PROGRAM ASSOCIATE

GRAND ISLAND PROGRAM ASSOCIATE

GRAND ISLAND WELLNESS COUNSELOR

NCPA TEACHER AT OMAHA NORTH

DIRECTOR

OMAHA NORTH WELLNESS COUNSELOR

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, WINNEBAGO COUNSELOR

NCPA TEACHER AT OMAHA SOUTH

SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - UNL

NCPA OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Sponsors

Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College
Union Pacific logo
BFNS Railways logo

News

Nebraska College Preparatory Academy Scholars listen to Hudl's chief operating officer, Matt Mueller, and recruiters tell the company's story during a visit to Hudl on Oct. 13.

NCPA scholars get internship insight from Hudl

Nebraska College Preparatory Academy scholars got a behind-the-scenes look at internship opportunities with Hudl on Oct. 13.

James Kvaal (center, in blue suit) talks with students and Chancellor Ronnie Green during his visit to campus on Sept. 16. Kvaal, who is from Massachusetts, often visited his grandparents in Omaha as a youth, and attended Husker football games.

James Kvaal, the U.S. undersecretary of education discusses higher education at UNL

Navigating higher education came into focus as nearly 30 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students participated in an open discussion with James Kvaal, the U.S. undersecretary of education.

Bruce E. Mackey, a 1955 graduate of the College of Business, has committed a $1.6 million estate gift to support Husker students through scholarships and academic programs.

Alumnus commits $1.6M estate gift to make college possible for more

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has announced a $1.6 million estate gift from alumnus and retired insurance executive Bruce E. Mackey to support students through scholarships and academic programs.

Learn more about how NCPA is supporting high school and college scholars. 

News Stories

Support NCPA

NCPA’s donor base shares a common commitment to serving historically underserved students and communities through education.

Learn how you can support NCPA and their mission to support first-generation, low-income students graduate with a college degree.

Support NCPA

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN HELP SUPPORT NCPA's EFFORTS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Steve Hill
Senior Director of Gift Planning
University of Nebraska Foundation
402-458-1186
stephen.hill@nufoundation.org

Moises Padilla
Contact Us

Moises Padilla
Director of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
402-472-2752
ncpa@unl.edu