Scholarship Programs
🎓 High Plains Auto Club Scholarship
The High Plains Auto Club proudly supports students from Nebraska Panhandle high schools who are pursuing careers in automotive and related fields, including welding.
Graduating seniors planning to attend a college or technical school in the fall—as well as students continuing into their second year of post-secondary education—are eligible to apply.
Each spring, HPAC awards a $1,000 scholarship, distributed as $500 per semester. Students may apply or reapply each year they meet eligibility requirements. This scholarship is funded directly by the High Plains Auto Club to help support the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
HPAC Scholarship Application can be obtained from your high school guidance counselor or at the link below.
2026-2027
HPAC Scholarship Winners:
$1,000 Award - $500 per Semester
2026 - 2027 HPAC Scholarship Recipient – Kyle Komarek
Kyle Komarek was awarded a $1,000 High Plains Auto Club Scholarship.
Kyle graduated from Mitchell High School in 2026. He plans to major in Automotive Technology at Western Nebraska Community College, in Scottsbluff, NE. Kyle grew up working on cars with his family. His goal is to open his own shop,
specializing in electric vehicles.
Kyle Komarek was awarded a $1,000 High Plains Auto Club Scholarship.
Kyle graduated from Mitchell High School in 2026. He plans to major in Automotive Technology at Western Nebraska Community College, in Scottsbluff, NE. Kyle grew up working on cars with his family. His goal is to open his own shop,
specializing in electric vehicles.
Kyle Komarek with HPAC President Daryl Wills
2026 - 2027 HPAC Scholarship Recipient – Cole Leithead
Cole Leithead was awarded a $1,000 High Plains Auto Club Scholarship.
Cole graduated from Bridgeport High School in 2026. He plans to major in Progressive Welding at Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, South Dakota. Cole's long-term goal is to work for a private shop.
Cole Leithead was awarded a $1,000 High Plains Auto Club Scholarship.
Cole graduated from Bridgeport High School in 2026. He plans to major in Progressive Welding at Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, South Dakota. Cole's long-term goal is to work for a private shop.
Cole Leithead with HPAC President Daryl Wills
2026 - 2027 HPAC Scholarship Recipient – Renton Spehar
Renton Spehar was awarded a $1,000 High Plains Auto Club Scholarship.
Renton attends Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, where he majors in Diesel & Ag. Technology. Renton is a two-time winner of the scholarship, having also been awarded a HPAC Scholarship in 2025. Renton’s goal is to become a diesel service technician, working on construction and agricultural equipment.
Renton Spehar was awarded a $1,000 High Plains Auto Club Scholarship.
Renton attends Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, where he majors in Diesel & Ag. Technology. Renton is a two-time winner of the scholarship, having also been awarded a HPAC Scholarship in 2025. Renton’s goal is to become a diesel service technician, working on construction and agricultural equipment.
Renton Spehar with HPAC President Daryl Wills
