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 OverviewTHE 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.
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.
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.
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 StoriesFuture 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 ScholarsHigh 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 ScholarsCollege 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 ScholarsStaff
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
News
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, 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.
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 StoriesSupport 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 NCPAIF 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
Contact Us
Moises Padilla
Director of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
402-472-2752
ncpa@unl.edu