THE OMAHA EFFORT TO HELP LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AFFORD PRIVATE SCHOOLS EXPANDS TO NORTHEAST NEBRASKA.
A record number of low-income children received scholarships this year to attend private Omaha schools, but the individuals behind one scholarship fund say they won't stop raising money until they reach even more children.

The Children's Scholarship Fund of Omaha is one of 18 programs nationwide to be included in an ongoing effort to give low-income families greater school choice.

The scholarship fund also has expanded beyond the Omaha metropolitan area to northeast Nebraska. "We've done our job up to this point," Tal Anderson, board chairman of the Omaha fund, said Thursday at an announcement of the expanded program. "But we have a long way to go."

The scholarship fund is part of a national program founded in New York.

Omaha's program began in 1999 with $ 2 million, half from New York, half from local donors. That first year, 607 students received financial help.

The majority of recipients have remained in the program. Others have been added to replace departing students.

Until this year, an average of 500 students a year have received tuition assistance. Now, though, the number of scholarship recipients exceeds 1,500. About 475 of those were renewals. The remainder of the money went to new recipients, 140 of whom attend private schools in rural areas of northeast Nebraska.

The number of recipients in northeast Nebraska is determined by the amount of money raised in that area, organizers said.

The fund's average scholarship - awarded through a lottery for kindergarten through eighth grade - is $ 965. Average tuition at participating schools is $ 2,595.

Principals spoke about the difference that the scholarship fund makes for lower-income families. Carol Mueller of Abundant Life Lutheran School in Omaha said she has seen parents tear up with gratitude after learning their child will receive help with tuition.

Tom Orange of Omaha Christian Academy said families see it as a "hand up" from the community, not a "handout." Families are required to pay a share of their child's tuition.

A lot of people have donated money because they see the value of giving lower-income families greater school choice, said Omaha Archbishop Elden Curtiss, who has given the program both money and office space.

Added Mayor Mike Fahey: "Time and time again, Omaha's private community steps up to the plate and supports many wortwhile projects and organizations. This is just another fine example." (1, 9/14/02)

Omaha needs to raise $ 1 million for each of the next five years. (1, 9/14/02)

Interested donors should contact Judy Tamisiea, treasurer of the fund, at 554-8493.