Antonia Scholarship

Name: Antonia Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,500

Information And Eligibility:
The Antonia Scholarship is an academic award offered through the Willa Cather Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Nobel Prize-winning author Willa Cather and supporting students who demonstrate dedication to literature, the humanities, and academic excellence. This scholarship honors the protagonist Antonia Shimerda from Willa Cather’s classic novel My Ántonia, celebrating students whose educational goals reflect a deep engagement with storytelling, cultural heritage, and the power of the written word.

Each year, one Nebraska high school senior is selected to receive the Antonia Scholarship, which provides $2,500 to assist with essential college costs such as tuition, books, required fees, and other academic expenses. The award is intended for students who plan to pursue a major in English, creative writing, history, or another humanities discipline at an accredited college or university. By encouraging students to delve into the arts and humanities, the scholarship supports the development of future educators, writers, historians, and cultural leaders.

Selection for the Antonia Scholarship is based on a holistic review of the applicant’s academic achievement, written work, community engagement, and personal articulation of how literature or the humanities have shaped their educational journey. Applicants who submit compelling essays or creative portfolios that highlight their intellectual curiosity, empathy, and commitment to cultural exploration tend to stand out. The scholarship committee places a strong emphasis on the quality of expression and depth of insight demonstrated in submitted work.

In addition to the financial award, recipients join a group of scholars connected to the Willa Cather Foundation and benefit from recognition within Nebraska’s academic and literary communities. This scholarship not only provides financial support but also underscores the value of the humanities in higher education and cultural discourse.

The Antonia Scholarship is awarded once and is non-renewable, making the initial application submission critical. Applicants are encouraged to present a thoughtful narrative that connects their academic goals to broader cultural or literary themes, reflecting the spirit of Antonia’s resilience and cultural rootedness depicted in Cather’s work.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a graduating high school senior from Nebraska.
• Must plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university.
• Must intend to major in English, creative writing, history, or a related humanities field.
• Must demonstrate strong academic performance and a passion for the humanities.
• Must complete all required application materials by the stated deadline.

Application Requirements:

• Completed Antonia Scholarship application form.
• Official high school transcript.
• Essay or written work that demonstrates commitment to literature or the humanities.
• Letters of recommendation or references.

Deadline: April

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