CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Higher education officials say they'll be awarding a new need-based scholarship to 689 Nevada students in time for the fall semester.
The Nevada System of Higher Education said it will inform winners in coming days that they're getting the Silver State Opportunity Grant.
The Nevada Legislature created the grant this spring and applied $2.5 million to the fund in each of the next two years. Awards vary in size based on a student's financial need, but can be as large as $5,500 annually.
Nevada has awarded the merit-based Millennium Scholarship for more than a decade, but didn't have a need-based scholarship until this year. Students at community colleges and Nevada State College qualify.
Bill co-sponsor Sen. Ben Kieckhefer said the program is a huge step in ensuring college is affordable.