LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The deadline for scholarships honoring the late Nebraska political pioneer Helen Boosalis is almost here.

Boosalis, a Democrat, was the first woman elected mayor of Lincoln. In 1986, she was defeated by Republican Kay Orr in the nation’s first woman-versus-woman gubernatorial election. Boosalis died in 2009 at the age of 89.

Applications for the scholarship are limited to Nebraska women who are graduating from high school or continuing in higher education. Applicants are asked to submit an essay of up to 500 words about a female politician who inspired their own community service and political involvement. The deadline for submission of the essays to the Women’s Caucus of that Nebraska Democratic Party is Tuesday.

Three $500 scholarships will be presented at the Inspiring Women Luncheon on Aug. 8 in Lincoln.