Local Student Receives Statewide Scholarship

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Amy Moan                                                                                                 Heather Tweedy
Marketing and Public Relations Manager                                                  Media Representative
Phone: 402.426.6429                                                                               Phone: 402.301.7320
Email: amoan@gpcom.com                                                                        Email: heather@brightskyinteractive.com

May 15, 2012 (Herman, Neb.) - A Herman student recently received a scholarship as part of a program to support students using new educational technologies.

Herman resident Amanda Gibson was recently awarded a $1000 scholarship from Great Plains Communications to pursue online education. Gibson is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Dakota. The scholarship will help in allowing her to take classes from home, which makes it easier for her as a student and mother to complete her degree.

Online education has seen incredible growth in recent years and has gained popularity among even the most prestigious collegiate institutions including MIT and Harvard. According to a 2011 article in US News and World Report, more than 6 million students will take at least one online class this year.

The scholarship is part of a larger program aimed at supporting educational efforts in the communities Great Plains Communications serves. The company provides up to $20,000 worth of educational scholarships to students annually. The company's “Commitment to Our Schools” grant program provides $20,000 to schools to provide additional funding for special projects and initiatives. These efforts help schools and students achieve their dreams and serves to fight rural brain drain.

Great Plains Communications is the largest independent telecommunications company in Nebraska and provides services solely to rural areas. It offers residential services such as digital phone including local and long-distance calling, as well as high-definition cable television. Broadband Internet is available in all Great Plains Communications’ communities through DSL and cable modem facilities or its partnership with Exede^SM Satellite Internet Services. The company also provides business services ranging from traditional voice and data products to the installation and support of large business networks. With 102 years of experience, the company currently serves 90 communities with 200 employees throughout Nebraska.