What is the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program?
The Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program (EETP) provides a limited number of forgivable loans to Nebraska teachers enrolled in an eligible graduate program at a Nebraska institution. The goal is to retain experienced teachers in the classrooms across the state.
When to apply?
NOW! The deadline to submit applications is 15 May 2026. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who is eligible?
To be considered for an EETP loan, you must:
- Be employed at least half-time as a certified teacher in an approved or accredited public or private PK-12 school in Nebraska.
- Be a resident Nebraska student.
- Be enrolled in an approved graduate program at an eligible Nebraska institution.
What are the benefits?
Eligible students can receive an amount not more than $175 per credit hour for courses that begin during the loan award period, up to a maximum of $3,000 total. Recipients may re-apply in subsequent years but cannot exceed five consecutive years of receiving awarded funds. EETP loans are forgivable, which means that you will not have to repay them if you meet certain requirements. To be eligible for loan forgiveness, you must:
- Complete your graduate program and maintain full-time employment as a Nebraska teacher for three years.
- Teach in a high-need area, as defined by the Nebraska Department of Education
What is an eligible graduate program?
An eligible graduate program is defined as a course of study which results in obtaining one of the following:
- a graduate degree in a shortage area specified by the State Board of Education
- a graduate course of study leading to a teaching endorsement in a shortage area
- a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction
- a graduate degree in a subject area in which a teaching endorsement is already held
- a graduate degree in a subject area that will result in an additional teaching endorsement for which the superintendent of the school district or head administrator of a nonpublic school believes will be beneficial to the students in that school system
For the 2026-2027 loan award period, graduate classes must begin on or after 1 July 2026 through 30 June 2027.
How do I apply?
STEP ONE: If you have not applied to York University's graduate school, apply ASAP for an eligible graduate program and complete the admissions process promptly. If you are already an accepted or enrolled master's student, consult your academic advisor if you are uncertain of your academic program's eligibility for the EETP award.
STEP TWO: Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) hosts the online application portal for EETP. Once you understand what courses you will be taking during the award period, complete the application before this year's deadline. CCPE will eventually notify applicants of approval or denial beginning as soon as June.
For more information, please visit the EETP website:
Nebraska EETP OFFICIAL WEBSITE