The Western Nebraska Community College Sidney Campus received a $5,000 grant from the Thomas D. Buckley Trust for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Thirteen students received scholarships in amounts ranging from $250 - $500 that assisted with tuition and fees. The students are studying in a variety of programs including basic nursing assistant, licensed practical nursing, aviation maintenance, criminal justice, and general studies.
"The support that the Thomas D. Buckley Trust continues to show for WNCC students in Sidney is remarkable," says WNCC Sidney Campus Director Paula Abbott. "The scholarship funds are commonly given to students who may be in a program that is not Federal Pell Grant eligible. Many of these students are working adults with children, so the scholarships are greatly appreciated," said Abbott. "I had several of them thank me personally and tell me how much the scholarship means to their families."
The Thomas D. Buckley Trust is a private foundation created by Thomas D. Buckley, a man who spent most of his life as a farmer in Chappell until his death in 1979. According to the official website, the trust "provides resources for the needs of eligible, tax-exempt organizations in the communities in the Panhandle of Western Nebraska and in Northeastern Colorado."
The trust awards $20,000 annually to students who have graduated from high schools in western Nebraska and northern Colorado, and are currently enrolled in college seeking an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. To learn more about the Thomas D. Buckley Trust, please visit thomasbuckleytrust.com.
For more information about WNCC scholarships and financial assistance, contact the WNCC Financial Aid Office at 308-635-6011 or email financialaid@wncc.edu.