Team Nebraska has its first official commitment since the launch last month of the Presidential Scholars Program, a new total cost of attendance scholarship at the University of Nebraska that will make the state more competitive for its top academic talent.

On March 5, Pender Public Schools senior Caleb Kelly, who scored a perfect 36 on the ACT, announced his commitment to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln this fall. Kelly will be part of the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management. He plans to major in computer science and physics, with a minor in business.

Joined by his parents Jeff and Melissa, grandparents, six younger siblings, and Pender’s teachers, staff and the entire student body, Kelly celebrated his commitment with University of Nebraska Interim President Chris Kabourek and Jim Scheer, who represents District 3 on the Board of Regents.

“What an extraordinary day for the University of Nebraska, our state and me personally,” Kabourek said. “I am thrilled that Caleb has decided to sign with Team Nebraska and that our President’s Scholarship helped Nebraska compete for one of our best and brightest. I couldn’t be happier for Caleb, his family and the amazing teachers and staff at Pender Public Schools who have guided him along the way.”

Announced last month by Gov. Jim Pillen along with Kabourek and the Board of Regents, the Presidential Scholars Program provides a full cost of attendance scholarship — tuition, fees, books, housing and all other costs — plus a $5,000 annual stipend, to any Nebraska student who scores a perfect 36 on the ACT. The scholarship may be used for undergraduate study at any University of Nebraska campus. The goal of the program is to advance the governor’s vision to make Nebraska more competitive for its best and brightest young people.

“This is awesome to see — homegrown Nebraska talent staying right here in Nebraska,” Gov. Pillen said. “Congratulations to Caleb Kelly on becoming our very first Presidential Scholar, and to his parents Jeff and Melissa. I’m proud that we competed to keep Caleb here. Now, let’s go sign more kids to Team Nebraska!”

The Presidential Scholars Program aligns with broad goals Kabourek has outlined for the university to reconnect with all Nebraskans, compete for students, and make student recruiting and engagement a high priority. The university’s goal is to raise the private funds necessary to expand the scholarship program to cover Nebraska students who score a 33 or above on the ACT.

“With the support and leadership of Gov. Pillen and our Board of Regents, the President’s Scholarship is already making an impact for Nebraska. The messages I’ve received from students and parents over the last month tell me that when we say loud and clear we want to keep our kids here, they’re listening,” Kabourek said.

“I am a big believer that every Nebraska kid is worth our time and effort. My message to them is that no matter your test score, we want you on Team Nebraska, and if you’re willing to work hard, there’s a place for you here to chase your dreams. We can’t wait to connect with more students and parents across the state and grow our team.”

Caleb said that while he isn’t sure what his career path will be, he knows he wants to “make a difference” in the world around him. In remarks to the student body, he encouraged his fellow students to keep working hard and take advantage of the opportunities in front of them.

“All the people around you are here to support you,” he told KETV News in an interview following the signing ceremony.

Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett spoke with Kelly directly and was pleased that he accepted the offer to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“I am thrilled to have Caleb as the first President’s Scholar committing to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln,” Bennett said. “Caleb’s commitment to UNL and the Raikes School is evidence that this scholarship program is enhancing our ongoing recruitment of Nebraska’s best and brightest students.

“Our state’s future depends upon highly successful young scholars like Caleb attending, graduating, and staying in Nebraska, and I look forward to seeing more talented and hardworking Huskers joining Caleb at UNL.”