In order to acknowledge the important role scholarships play in helping students and families pay for college, May has been designated as National Scholarship Month. Nelnet recognizes the challenges faced by families who struggle to keep up with the rising cost of college tuition, and considers charitable giving a corporate responsibility, funding scholarships each year to help students realize their academic goals.

In conjunction with National Scholarship Month, Nelnet announced scholarship awards totaling more than $200,000 for national and state sweepstakes, Junior Achievement, and the National College Access Network. These scholarships are part of more than $1 million funded annually by Nelnet and the Nelnet Foundation.

This spring, the Nelnet Foundation established the Big Mama-Nelnet Scholarship Fund. Nelnet teamed with ABC television for the March 31, 2006, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition broadcast to the delight of Essie “Big Mama” Reed, a celebrated Fort Lauderdale, Florida resident. The $75,000 fund was established to help the neighborhood mentor provide opportunities for local children to pursue higher education.

During the 2005-2006 academic year Nelnet also awarded 11 scholarships totaling $20,000 to selected children of Nelnet associates through the Nelnet Scholars program. Additionally, 103 high school students recently received scholarships from Nelnet’s College Planning Center through its national online and state-sponsored regional programs, totaling more than $120,000. The College Planning Center Web site also provides students access to a database of other scholarships worth more than $6 billion.

The Nelnet College Planning Center is a free, comprehensive resource for families and students preparing for college. The College Planning Web site (www.nelnet.net/collegeplanning) offers students and parents access to scholarship searches, online practice tests for the SAT and ACT, and general college planning information. The College Planning Web site includes a college search based on individual needs, financial aid questions and answers, a financial planning calculator, and even comments from other students regarding their college planning experiences. Families may also call toll-free 1.866.866.7372 to speak with a knowledgeable College Planning Counselor who can answer questions and explain the necessary steps for applying for college or financial aid.