Gift and grants to help College Prep Academy serve underrepresented students | Mia Virgillito

Support from the Peter Kiewit Foundation, Sherwood Foundation and alumnus Bruce E. Mackey is fueling growth of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy.

Launched in 2006 and funded primarily through grants and charitable contributions, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Nebraska College Preparatory Academy (NCPA) is an innovative college access program that assists academically talented, first-generation, income-eligible students on their path to college and future career. 

“NCPA is a testament to Nebraska’s commitment to prepare students with the tools to achieve personal and professional excellence,” said Moises Padilla, director of the Academy. “The program has changed the lives of its participants for generations to come, ensuring more of Nebraska’s students go on to do big things in college and beyond.”

Students may apply for NCPA beginning in the eighth grade. During high school, the selected scholars participate in a curriculum that prepares them for the rigors of college coursework. Members of the cohort receive mentorship and leadership training. Scholars who successfully complete the NCPA high school requirements are guaranteed a full financial aid package to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Throughout college, the students have access to counseling, academic support and personal development opportunities. 

In the last nine years, 100% of NCPA high school participants have chosen to pursue a college degree. The scholars average a six-year graduation rate of 75% or higher—12 points greater than Nebraska’s average. 

All college scholars are provided an individualized retention plan through the academy’s Trenchard Foundation Institute of Excellence (TFIOE). Staff meet 1-to-1 with scholars to develop a plan to achieve their academic and personal goals, including participation in weekly seminars, academic tutoring, workshops and more.

“The NCPA retention plan is simple—every student matters,” Padilla said.

Fourteen TFIOE college scholars are expected to graduate from the university this May:
Lizbeth Daniela Chavez, Yohanna Flores, Madison Lee, Maricela Paramo Reyes, Edgar Ruiz-Guaderrama, George Bokobo, Claudia Diaz Aldama, Amanda DiMauro, David Estrada, Katelyn Hill, Adrian Moreira, Zitlalic Parra Valencia, Cynthia Serrano-Ortega and Joana Reyes.

Thanks to generous support from individual donors, charitable foundations and contributions from the university, NCPA continues to provide access to higher education and close educational equity gaps for students.

Bruce E. Mackey, a 1955 graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Business and retired insurance executive, has committed a $1.6 million estate gift to support students through scholarships and academic programs. Mackey said that when he learned about opportunities to help future generations of students, it aligned with how he and his late wife, Loyce Mackey, had decided they wanted to help others. The Mackey fund for NCPA will provide financial aid to students who complete the program and attend college at Nebraska. 

To maintain academy success in retention and graduation rates, the Peter Kiewit Foundation is providing NCPA $500,000 over the next three years. Additionally, the Sherwood Foundation has committed $3.9 million over the next four years. 

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our generous donors. We are making a difference in the lives of our scholars as they gain greater opportunities for themselves and their families,” Padilla said.

Learn more about the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy.