KPS UNK Scholarship, Courtesy
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools (KPS) and the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) will host a recognition ceremony to honor the two newest recipients of the Kearney Teachers Tomorrow (KTOM) scholarship – a collaborative initiative designed to grow the next generation of teachers in Kearney.
The event will take place at 10 a.m. Monday in the UNK College of Education atrium at 1615 W. 24th Street.
“UNK is proud to stand alongside Kearney Public Schools in investing in our future educators,” said UNK interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak. “We are equipping these scholars to graduate ready to lead classrooms and ignite a passion for learning across our community.”
Launched in 2024 by the Kearney Education Collaborative, the KTOM program provides a clearly defined pathway for students who want to pursue a teaching degree at UNK and return to Kearney Public Schools as educators. The scholarship program offers financial support, immersive educational experiences and a guaranteed teaching position within KPS upon graduation.
“This partnership is all about building a homegrown pipeline of educators,” said Jason Mundorf, Superintendent of Kearney Public Schools.
“KTOM is providing students a clear roadmap to stay in Kearney, pursue a teaching degree, and serve this community after graduation.”
Each KTOM scholar receives a $6,000 annual scholarship from KPS, a $1,900 annual contribution from UNK, and waived housing costs for those living on campus – amounting to more than $14,000 in value per year, before any additional aid. The scholarship is renewable for four years.
UNK Dean of Education Mark Reid highlighted the partnership’s benefits to students and the broader education sector.
“By blending rigorous classroom instruction with early, in-district teaching experience, the KTOM scholarship ensures our students graduate not only with strong teaching skills but also with deep roots in the Kearney schools they will one day lead,” Reid said. “Together with KPS, we’re cultivating a generation of educators who know our community, care about its students and are ready to make an immediate difference from day one.”
Students also have the opportunity to work in KPS schools during their college years, gaining hands-on experience while earning Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System (NPERS) service credit. Upon completing their teaching degree, each student is guaranteed a position within the Kearney Public Schools district.
“Our collaboration with UNK is creating opportunities for students who are passionate about teaching,” said Mundorf. “We know that many Kearney High graduates dream of graduating from KHS, going to UNK, and then teaching in Kearney Public Schools. The Kearney Teachers Tomorrow program creates the pathway for that dream to become a reality. It’s a win for the students, KPS, UNK, and the entire Kearney community.”
The KTOM program prioritizes applicants with financial need, those pursuing high-demand endorsements (such as special education, math, science and world languages), and graduating Kearney High School seniors. In its inaugural year, more than 75 students applied for the competitive scholarship. Moving forward from then, two new KTOM scholarships will be awarded each year.
As the program continues to build momentum in its second year, Bicak said local leaders are already looking at its broader potential.
“The success of this project can inspire other school districts and even industries to think creatively about partnering on workforce development and pipelines to connect students with employment opportunities, especially in rural Nebraska.”
