D.J.'s Hero Scholarship Awards

Nebraska high school seniors (or students affiliated with a Nebraska high school) who have overcome significant adversity and demonstrate leadership, kindness, and community service, and who plan to attend college in the U.S., may be nominated for D.J.'s Hero Awards scholarships administered by The Salvation Army Western Division.

Each recipient receives a $12,000 scholarship toward college; at least 16 awards are granted annually. Winners work with a free TeamMates+ mentor during undergraduate study and must attend Behavioral Health Awareness training with The Kim Foundation.

Nominations and applications are submitted online. Honorees are recognized at the Hero Awards Luncheon in Omaha and are expected to communicate with The Salvation Army about the scholarship's impact.

The program is named in memory of D.J. Sokol, who died of cancer in 1999 at age 18. His parents, David and Peggy Sokol, established it to honor outstanding Nebraska seniors who overcome adversity.