Avenue Scholars
Pursue a high-skill, high-wage and high-demand career with the help of the Career Pathway Scholarship.
Scholarship Eligibility for Avenue Scholars
For eligibility and priority consideration for the Walter Scott, Jr. Career Pathway Scholarship, each Avenue Scholar must:
- Complete the Avenue Scholars high school program from one of the ten qualifying high schools.
- Complete a college course or MCC/high school concurrent enrollment course with a grade of C or better.
- Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or better at MCC.
- Complete a career plan through the Avenue Scholars high school program that aligns with a qualifying program of study at MCC.
- Plan to enroll full-time at MCC in the fall.
- Apply by March 1 of their senior year.
- Complete a FAFSA by March 1 of their senior year.
- Agree to participate in all scholarship requirements.
- Be a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Applicants must have a 2025/26 FAFSA on file at MCC to be considered for the scholarship. However, financial need is not required.
Scholarship Requirements
As a Scott Pathway Scholar, you’re expected to:
- Attend MCC full-time.
- Attend a paid Summer Bridge Program in the summer before the fall quarter.
- Attend specialized programming and events during the school year, including one-on-one meetings with your assigned Scott Pathway Coordinator.
- Communicate with your assigned Scott Pathway Coordinator promptly and proactively.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA and be in good standing with MCC.
- Complete a paid internship (minimum of 160 hours).
- Complete an approved program of study within two years.
- Obtain industry-aligned employment within six months of graduation.
What are the ten qualifying Avenue Scholars high schools?
- Millard South
- Millard North
- Benson
- Omaha Bryan
- Omaha North
- Omaha Northwest
- Ralston
- Papillion La Vista
- Westside
- Blair
Qualifying Programs of Study
Questions about qualifying programs of study? Visit MCC’s site to learn more about the programs.
Accounting and Business Administration
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Culinary and Hospitality
Community and Human Services
- Early Childhood Education
- Legal Studies
Health Professions
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Fire Science Technology
- Health Data and Information Management
- Health Information Management Systems
- Medical Assisting
- Medication Aide
- Paramedicine
- Practical Nursing
- Respiratory Therapy
Information Technology
- Administrative Technology
- Computer Programming
- Computer Technology Transfer
- Cybersecurity
- Database Management and Data Science
- Information Systems and Technologies
- Web Development
Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences
- Architectural Design Technology
- Auto Collision Technology
- Automotive Technology
- CDL-A Truck Driving
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Construction and Building Science
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Apprenticeship
- Electrical Mechanical Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Facilities Operations and Maintenance Technology
- Horticulture, Land Systems and Management
- Industrial and Commercial Trades
- Manufacturing, Power & Process Operations Technology
- Mechanical Design Technology
- MOPAR CAP – Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram
- Plumbing Apprenticeship
- Powersports and Outdoor Power Technology
- Pre-Apprenticeship Plumbing
- Precision Machine Technology
- Prototype Design
- Toyota T-TEN Program
- Utility Line Technician
- Welding Technology
For Education Transfer Only
- Liberal Arts/Academic Transfer (LATAA)
- Liberal Arts/Academic Transfer (LATAS)
How to Apply
Applying is quick and easy! Please carefully read the steps below and click Apply Now at the bottom of the page when you’re ready to apply.
Step 1
After you click Apply Now, scroll to the bottom of the page and select which option applies to you.
Apply Now – Current Students: This is for students with an existing MCC username and password and have taken classes at MCC in the last three quarters.
Apply Now – New Students: This is for students new to MCC and who do not have an MCC username and password.
Step 2
After you’ve logged in, complete the “General Scholarship Application” and click the yellow “Submit” button at the bottom of the page. If you’re an Avenue Scholar, make sure to select that as an organization you’ve participated in when filling out the application.
Step 3
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll see “Follow Up — Walter Scott, Jr. Career Pathway Scholarship” on your Scholarship Dashboard. Click the “Complete” button to finish the supplemental essays and questions. The essay questions on the application are as follows:
- Explain your desired career path and how you came to that decision. Include any employment, volunteer work, High School Career Academy or dual enrollment classes you have participated in related to your career choice. (150 – 350 words)
- Tell us what challenges you are currently facing that this scholarship would help you overcome. (150-350 words)
If you do not see the “Walter Scott, Jr. Career Pathway Scholarship” listed on your Scholarship Dashboard, please contact the Scholarships Office at scholarships@mccneb.edu for assistance.
Step 4
Although not required, recommendations are considered in the selection process. You may include a recommendation by providing the recommender’s email address when prompted on the scholarship application. A recommendation form will automatically be sent and received on your behalf.
FAQ’s
What costs are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship covers $12,000 over eight consecutive quarters (two years). It can be applied toward any part of your cost of attendance (COA), although tuition and fees are always paid first. COA includes resident tuition, fees, books, tools, transportation, etc.
What are the ten qualifying Avenue Scholars high schools?
- Millard South
- Millard North
- Benson
- Omaha Bryan
- Omaha North
- Omaha Northwest
- Ralston
- Papillion LaVista
- Westside
- Blair
Do I have to be a recent high school graduate?
Yes, you must have a high school diploma and plan to attend MCC in the fall.
Do I have to attend full-time?
Yes, you must enroll in 12 credit hours per quarter to qualify (completing at least 48 credits each academic year).
Do I have to start in the fall after my high school graduation?
Yes, you must start in the fall quarter after you graduate from high school.
How do I submit a recommendation with my scholarship application?
You may include a recommendation by providing the recommender’s email address when prompted on the scholarship application. A recommendation form will automatically be sent and received on your behalf.
How long do I have to use the scholarship?
You have two years to use your scholarship unless otherwise approved by your Scott Pathway Coordinator. Exceptions can be made for program length and class availability.
Do I need to reapply every year or is it automatically renewable?
You do not need to apply every year. The scholarship can be automatically renewed if you adhere to the scholarship requirements and expectations.
What are the scholarship expectations?
- Maintain good academic standing and a 2.0 GPA or better at MCC.
- Complete at least 48 credit hours each academic year.
- Remain in an approved program of study.
- Attend all required Career Pathway programming and events, including a Summer Bridge Program.
- Communicate regularly with your assigned Scott Pathway Coordinator.
- Participate in either a paid internship (minimum 160 hours) or industry-aligned employment.
- Secure industry-aligned work within six months of graduating.
What is a Scott Pathway Coordinator?
You will be assigned to work with a designated Scott Pathway Coordinator. Your coordinator will support you with the following:
- Navigating college and academic success.
- Internships and employment.
- Navigating potential barriers.
- Connecting with community resources.
What is the Summer Bridge Program?
The Summer Bridge Program intends to ease the transition from high school to college, support academic success and build community among fellow Scott Pathway Scholars. You will also learn about leadership, self-care and well-being, effective communication and community engagement. Summer Bridge will be held for a week in August and is a required paid experience.
What’s the time commitment of the programming and events during the year?
Time commitments vary depending on the month and the event, but you can expect an average of eight to fifteen hours a month. All events will be communicated at least 30 days in advance.
Do I have to complete the FAFSA?
Yes, you need to complete a FAFSA every year.
How will I be notified if I’ve been selected for the scholarship?
You will receive an award notification email and letter from Metropolitan Community College (MCC) by May 1. Remember to check your email often so you don’t miss the deadline to accept the scholarship.
How is the scholarship amount calculated?
The scholarship amount is calculated based on the number of credit hours you enroll in each quarter and is valued at up to $12,000 over two years.
For example:
- 18.5 + credits – $2,640
- 14–18 credits – $2,160
- 9.5–13.5 credits – $1,620
In some cases, the scholarship amount may be lowered as students cannot receive more money than the total cost of attendance.
Can I combine this scholarship with others?
This scholarship can be combined with others in some cases. If you have specific questions regarding other scholarships you have received, please contact the MCC Scholarships Office. Please note, that you cannot accept the Susan T. Buffett Scholarship and Walter Scott, Jr. Career Pathway scholarships together.
How do I get the money for the scholarship?
Scholarship funds will be applied to your account at MCC approximately three to four weeks after the start of each quarter. You will be able to see your scholarship as part of your overall financial aid package by the end of May on your MCC self-service account under financial aid.
Can I transfer my scholarship to another school?
No, the scholarship is only good at MCC.
Do I have to complete an internship or work during school?
One of the scholarship requirements is to participate in either a paid internship (minimum 160 hours) or industry-aligned employment. Your Pathway Coordinator will help you find an internship.
If I’m employed in work aligned with my program of study, do I need to complete a separate internship?
You do not need to complete a separate internship if your employment is aligned with your program of study. Work with your Scott Pathway Coordinator for approval.
What if I change my program of study?
You can work with your assigned Scott Pathway Coordinator to determine if your new program is approved for the scholarship. Do not change your program of study without speaking to your coordinator first.