Scholarship Guidelines

Scholarship Essay Required 

This scholarship's deadline is January 14, 2026

It’s the people in our lives that make all the difference. Some people open opportunities for you that you never would have dreamed of on your own. This can be a life-changing experience, all because someone believed in you. Former Grand Island High School Counselor Bob Hamblet was this caring professional that guided students to dream big. He opened many opportunities for the students under his care. Because of Mr. Hamblet’s encouragement, 1964 Grand Island High School Graduate Lanny Martin attended Northwestern University. Mr. Martin believed that this one decision and his support from Mr. Hamblet was a “game-changer” for him. He credited his success to the people that supported him along the way, particularly, his parents, his siblings and Mr. Hamblet. As an expression of appreciation, Mr. Martin and his family are offering this four-year scholarship to Northwestern University named for his counselor Bob Hamblet. The scholarship will cover, in addition to financial aid provided by Northwestern, substantially all tuition/fees, room and board, and books, up to $65,000 per year for four years, with a maximum total award of $260,000. Scholarship winners will be required to do some part-time work during each school year. This scholarship provides up to, $65,000 per academic year and is designed to serve as a 'last dollar' scholarship. Accordingly, all other forms of financial aid and/or awards from Northwestern University, external scholarships, and other funding sources shall be applied to the student's account prior to the disbursement of this scholarship. Students who apply Early Decision have a better chance at admission. 

Students may find more information about Northwestern University at the following web address:  https://admissions.northwestern.edu/faqs/

Amount and Terms

• Last dollar scholarship up to $65,000 x 4 years. 
  The total amount of the scholarship will not exceed $260,000.

Number of Scholarships

• 1

Eligibility

• Must be a graduate of Grand Island Senior High
• Must have attended Grand Island Senior High for at least two years
• Well-rounded candidates with demonstrated academic, athletic, performing arts or community service accomplishments
• Need to be admitted to Northwestern University through the normal admittance procedures
• Must upload Northwestern University financial aid estimate
• An ideal candidate would be one for whom Northwestern University is his/her dream school and financial considerations are a barrier to attendance.

Essay Question

• Tell us why you want to attend Northwestern University. (Max 500 words)

To Apply

• Complete the online application form at https://gipsfoundation.org/programs/scholarships/ 

Deadline

• Scholarship application due January 14, 2026

Selection Procedure

• Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship selection committee appointed by the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation.

Terms of Payment

• The scholarship will be paid through the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation to Northwestern University per scholarship eligibility defined above. The student must provide proof of enrollment (class schedule), student number and a tuition bill to the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation for scholarship distribution each term.
  
  Send proof of enrollment to Kari Price via email to kprice@gips.org, in person at GIPS Administration Building (123 South Webb Road) or via mail to PO Box 4904, Grand Island, NE 68802.

Claim Scholarship

• The student must provide proof of enrollment (class schedule) and student ID number to the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation for scholarship distribution. Proof of enrollment is needed for each semester covered by scholarship terms. Send proof of enrollment to Kari Price via email to kprice@gips.org, in person at GIPS Administration Building (123 South Webb Road) or via mail to PO Box 4904, Grand Island, NE 68802.

Terms of Renewal

• The scholarship is for four years assuming the candidate maintains a 2.5 (out of 4.0) or equivalent grade point average for the preceding year.