High School Scholars

NCPA selects promising eighth graders from first-generation, income-eligible families to join a cohort of their peers (NCPA scholars). Throughout high school, scholars demonstrate NCPA's Pillars of Excellence — Knowledge, Character and Commitment — by participating in:

• The NCPA high school (grades 9-12) curriculum focused on science and math, as well as honors and AP courses, preparing them for the rigors of college coursework. Academic support, such as tutoring, is provided.
• Mental health and personal wellness services and academic counseling.
• A free summer school program and summer camp (held every summer).
• Required service-learning and leadership development.

Following high school graduation, NCPA scholars who successfully maintain a 3.25 GPA and demonstrate exemplary character and commitment receive aid that pays the direct cost of attending Nebraska (tuition, fees, housing and meal plan, books, etc.).

• NCPA scholars average a 3.56 GPA. Scholars are expected to earn a 3.25 and take honors and/or AP courses each semester.
• NCPA's high school retention has increased for seven consecutive years, even after the program has increased its standards and implemented a rigorous selection process.
• Two NCPA seniors were selected as valedictorians and two others were honored as Gates Scholars (only 750 students out of 51,000+ applicants were selected). 
• 100% of NCPA scholars pursue a degree at a university or community college (24 points higher than the Nebraska average). Nationally, 69.1% of high school graduates pursued a degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

NCPA scholars and parents must complete renewal evaluations and submit contact information each school year they participate in NCPA. The deadline to submit is May 15 for the following year.

Your personal commitment is essential to participate in NCPA. In the event a student has missed meeting a program requirement, a process is available to help the student remain eligible to participate in NCPA.

NCPA scholars are encouraged to participate in academic, social and personal wellness events throughout the year. NCPA will communicate details to students and their families according to their NCPA Program Area.

The NCPA Mentor Program provides support to NCPA scholars at Omaha North and Omaha South High Schools aligning with the mission and goals of NCPA. Mentors are current University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate students. Many of our Mentors are college scholars who completed NCPA's high school component and are seeking an opportunity to serve younger scholars.

Students interested in becoming mentors go through an interview process and are selected based on their previous experience, interest in working with diverse people, and the ability to connect with others. Mentors also attend on-going training aimed at enhancing their mentoring skills (i.e. mentoring skills, leadership skills, goal setting, and wellness workshops).

Each school year culminates with a recognition reception, which brings together scholars, their families, and educators to highlight and celebrate the year's accomplishments. The receptions include a Senior Showcase, where graduating seniors present their capstone research project. All NCPA scholars must complete a capstone project their senior year to successfully satisfy NCPA's high school requirements. Younger NCPA scholars, as well as high school and middle school teachers, are recognized for their hard work and contributions.