Bland Receives Horatio Alger Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to 50 deserving high school students in Nebraska including Cody Bland of Ayr, Nebraska. Bland, who is a 2009 graduate of Blue hill High School, will attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney this fall majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science. Bland and other winners were the recent guests of Governor Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Gannon for dinner at the Governor's Mansion in Lincoln.

The 2010 Horatio Alger Scholarships are now open for competition. High school seniors from across the country are encouraged to apply now through October 30, 2009 for the financial assistance that is crucial to many who seek a bachelor’s degree, and ultimately, a brighter future. An online application can be found at http://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships.

Each scholar will receive $5,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students are selected for the Horatio Alger Ak-Sar-Ben State Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“The Ak-Sar-Ben scholars have overcome great obstacles and we are proud to present this award,” said David L. Sokol, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “Through this scholarship program, we celebrate their accomplishments and help them reach their future goals.”

The Horatio Alger State Scholarship Programs range from $2,500 to $10,500 and are sponsored by Horatio Alger members and friends. These scholarships are offered in 29 states. In 2009, the programs are awarding more than 600 state scholarships to students throughout the country. The Ak-Sar-Ben scholarships are made possible by The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation, which has supported the state with scholarships through the Horatio Alger Association since 2006.

“We are indebted to the contributions of The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation,” Sokol added. “The foundation is truly a steward of the Horatio Alger mission. Their support enables us to continue to offer young people access to a brighter future through higher education.” Horatio Alger scholars are provided with numerous resources to ensure a successful college career. Each student receives: financial aid guidance to assist in the selection of, and preparation for, college; access to the association’s Web site, where students can create online profiles, search for fellow scholars, update their personal information, submit disbursement requests and direct questions to the association; and access to a toll-free information line, to speak to program coordinators for assistance with questions about their scholarships and other educational programs.

Scholars are encouraged to remain connected with the association throughout their lives and become active members of the Horatio Alger alumni group.

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the National Scholarship Program, State Scholarship Programs and Graduate Grants. The association awards nearly $7 million annually in college scholarships and has given more than $63 million to deserving students since 1984. The association is a 2008-2009 Combined Federal Campaign participant. For more information, please visit http://www.horatioalger.org/.