NDOT, Pillen Administration Celebrate Good Life, Great Journey Scholarship Recipients with Signing Ceremony 

August 15, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Pillen administration hosted a signing ceremony on Friday, August 15 to honor the 2025 recipients of the Good Life, Great Journey Scholarship program. 

Now in its second year, the scholarship program helps recipients on their way to a meaningful and impactful career. Those selected for the scholarship receive up to 100% paid tuition, books, fees, tools, housing expenses, travel reimbursement and a paid internship with NDOT. Recipients are enrolled in approved technical colleges across the state to study programs including Diesel Technology, Electronics Systems/Electrical Technology, Land Surveying/GIS, Drafting/Design Technology, Engineering (Associate's Degree) and Information Technology. Upon successful completion, individuals will be eligible for full-time employment with NDOT. 

The scholarship program is made possible by 504(e) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The 504(e) funding is used to support surface transportation workforce development, training and education activities. In 2025, NDOT received $110,000 in funding for the scholarship program, and $100,000 in 2024. 

“Keeping our kids in Nebraska to grow their careers is a top priority,” Governor Jim Pillen, said. “Kids are our future, and programs like this are crucial in recruiting from our own backyard, while providing them with the tools to be successful and creating opportunities for them to positively impact their communities.”  

This year’s recipients are Cole Sellhorn of Lincoln, Dylan Kreiling of North Platte, Cadence Henke of Lincoln , Brayden Gilbert of Kearney, Canon Holley of Greeley, Joseph Thomson of Palmyra, Matthew Haake of Lincoln, James Martinez of Lincoln, Layton Sailor of Maywood and Burke Settles of Ceresco. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the next generation of future NDOT professionals. This scholarship program not only supports them through their schooling, but also helps fill critical workforce gaps,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “While the program is only in its second year, supporting young people as they build their careers has long been a tradition at NDOT. Once they’re here, that support continues with opportunities for educational development and advancement that help us retain top talent and offer truly rewarding careers.” 

The next round of scholarship applications will be accepted starting Sept. 1, 2025. For more information on the Good Life, Great Journey Scholarship Program visit https://ndot.info/scholarship.