Career Scholars Program

The Career Scholars Cooperative Education Program is an accelerated curriculum program that will arm you with the knowledge as well as the soft skills to work in a business during your senior year. In your first three years at WSC, you'll have the opportunity to engage with participating business partners through site visits, job shadowing, and mentorships. During your senior year, you'll move to Norfolk or Grand Island, where you will earn 18 credit hours by working for a business for approximately 30-40 hours a week over a nine-month period.

As part of the program, you'll be required to reside in housing in the area, which will provide you the opportunity to engage academically and socially with your peers. This portion of the program will help you connect with the community and gain an appreciation for the many exciting social and cultural opportunities available in the community. Upon graduation, the goal is for you to be hired into full-time positions in Nebraska.

To ensure you have financial support to remain focused on this program, you'll receive a scholarship ranging from $5,000 up to $15,000 per year to cover tuition, fees, room, and board. The bulk of the scholarship will be paid out during your senior year to help cover housing while you live in a participating community. The total scholarship package of is valued around $33,000* over your four years in the program.

• Freshman Year: $5,000
• Sophomore Year: $6,000
• Junior Year: $7,000
• Senior Year: $5,000 for tuition and up to $10,000 for housing

*students receiving additional WSC scholarships will be awarded the highest amount between the scholarships

The following majors are eligible for the Career Scholars Program:

Your journey as a cooperative education student begins your freshman year at Wayne State College. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, including business site visits and job shadowing, all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus at Wayne State, you’ll complete your senior year while living in Norfolk or Grand Island, Nebraska, where you’ll be hired and mentored by one of our participating business cohorts. You’ll earn 18 credit hours while working 30-40 hours per week at a paid job using skills relevant to your degree.

Throughout the Career Scholars Program, you'll participate in career readiness activities. During your senior year, you'll live in Norfolk or Grand Island, Nebraska, with your peers. This living experience will help you socially connect with the community and gain an appreciation for the many exciting social and cultural opportunities available in your chosen city. Upon graduation, the goal is for you to be hired into a full-time position within that community.

Norfolk, Nebraska

Norfolk offers the charm and hospitality of a small town and the opportunities of a big city. The city has invested $40 million in its downtown riverfront toward the development of affordable housing units for young people, along with Norfolk’s version of Aksarben Village. Norfolk boasts a strong labor force with leading employers, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere conducive to raising a family.

Northeast Nebraska Growing Together Initiative

Grand Island, Nebraska

Home to the Nebraska State Fair, the region of Grand Island is the 3rd largest metro area in Nebraska. The city is known for its strong economy, growing population, diversity, and ample outdoor activities. Grand Island features a wide variety of popular stores and restaurants, and offers excellent schools and health care. People in the community are considered welcoming and friendly.

The Grand Island region is committed to retaining its young professionals - our future workforce. The city's downtown has undergone a transformative process over the last 10 years, making it the hottest place to shop, eat, and gather with friends. Through the Grow Grand Island initiative, the region is actively pursuing new ways to achieve growth and progress for the area.

Learn more about Grow Grand Island

How to apply

1. Apply for admission at Wayne State College. After applying, you’ll receive your campus email address, which you’ll need to apply to the program.
2. Apply for the program through the Wayne State College scholarship application system.

Deadline: May 1 (for the upcoming fall semester)

Eligibility

• You must first apply and be admitted to Wayne State College
• Must be a new incoming freshman
• Must have an ACT score of 18 or higher
• You must pursue one of the participating degree programs

Selection process

We are looking for students who are dedicated to remaining in Nebraska. You do not have to be from Nebraska to apply. If selected, you’ll join us for Selection Day and meet one-on-one with Wayne State College professors, program leaders, and business owners. Selection days will be conducted in the spring.