Career Scholars Program

What is the Career Scholars Program?
The Wayne State College Career Scholars program combines classroom education with real-world internship experience, so students graduate ready to succeed in their career. 

First three years:

• Engage with participating employers through site visits, job shadowing, and mentorships
• Reside in a living-learning community during your freshman year
• Reside in any residence hall on campus during your sophomore year
• Reside on or off campus during your junior year

Senior year:

• Find a paid professional working experience in Norfolk or Grand Island 
• Earn up to 18 credit hours by working for a business for approximately 30-40 hours a week over a nine-month period
• Reside in one of the designated apartments in Grand Island or Norfolk where you connect with the community, participate in social and cultural activities, and connect with individuals in your profession of interest
• Upon graduation, the goal is for you to be hired into full-time positions in Nebraska

Investing in you
To ensure you have financial support to remain focused on this program, you will receive a scholarship ranging from $5,000 up to $15,000 per year to cover tuition, fees, room, and board. The total scholarship package is valued at up to $33,000*.

• 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 up to 18 credit hours while working 30-40 hours per week at a paid job using skills relevant to your degree.

Your journey as a Career Scholar student begins your freshman year. You will 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 up to 18 credit hours while working 30-40 hours per week at a paid job using skills relevant to your degree.

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 third 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.
2. Upon acceptance to Wayne State College and confirmed eligibility for the program, students will receive an invitation to attend a Commitment Day.
3. Attend a Commitment Day to learn about the program.

Limited spots are available, so submit your application early to Wayne State College!

Eligibility

• Must be an incoming freshman
• Must have a verified ACT score of 18 or higher or a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or greater
• 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 Commitment Day and meet one-on-one with Wayne State College professors and program leaders, as well as Norfolk and Grand Island community members. Commitment Days will be conducted beginning in November.