Student and Educator Scholarships for 2020

As a young college student, Willa Cather’s academic path took an unexpected turn when, unbeknownst to her, a college professor sent her essay about Thomas Carlyle to the Nebraska State Journal for publication. Writing still has the power to significantly alter a student’s future, and the Willa Cather Foundation offers several scholarship opportunities that can help students as they chart their own academic course. High school students can apply for one or all of the four scholarships we offer to seniors who will major either in English or History, or in the case of one scholarship, who will study agriculture or secondary education. Each scholarship requires an essay, and all of the deadlines are in the first half of the calendar year.

It may seem early to start thinking about scholarship applications, but it is actually a perfect time to map out a strategic scholarship plan with a parent, teacher, or academic advisor because there is plenty of time to put together materials and even submit an application for more than one scholarship the Willa Cather Foundation awards each year. Furthermore, our Ántonia Scholarship, named for Cather’s most famous literary character, is open to high school seniors from anywhere in the country! Students do not have to be from Nebraska to be eligible. Those who are awarded a scholarship for their first year of college will also be invited to present their winning essays at the 2020 annual Willa Cather Spring Conference that takes place June 4-6 in Red Cloud.

If you would like more information about our scholarship opportunities, please visit the "Scholarships" page on our website. You can also contact our Education Specialist Rachel Olsen at rolsen@willacather.org or 402-746-2653 with any questions you may have.