OMAHA, NEB. — (July 16, 2026) -- The CLAAS Foundation is commemorating the 100th birthday of its namesake, Helmut Claas, with two significant initiatives to support University of Nebraska–Lincoln students: the Helmut Claas Scholarship and the CLAAS Foundation Study Abroad Fund.
Helmut Claas, born on July 16, 1926, shaped the CLAAS company for decades as a visionary entrepreneur and passionate supporter of the next generation of agricultural engineers. The international Helmut Claas-Scholarship was the CLAAS Foundation’s first initiative — a program that Helmut Claas personally launched and to which he always attached significant importance. His objective was to inspire young talent to pursue careers in agricultural technology and pave the way for them to enter the industry. Claas passed away in 2021.
“Agricultural technology needs the best minds in the world — and the best minds in the world need an opportunity. Supporting the next generation is not an option; it is our responsibility toward the future of agriculture”, Helmut Claas used to say.
Much of CLAAS' long-term commitment to North America was shaped during Helmut Claas' leadership. Building on a presence that dates back more than six decades, the company has steadily expanded its operations in the region. Today, its North American headquarters in Omaha is also home to LEXION combine assembly and engineering teams developing the next generation of harvesting technology.
Helmut Claas Scholarship
In cooperation with UNL, a top-ranked university for agricultural engineering in the United States, the CLAAS Foundation, based in Harsewinkel, Germany, will launch the Helmut Claas Scholarship to support undergraduate students majoring in agricultural engineering or agricultural systems technology at UNL. Four scholarships, which may be renewed annually for four years, will be offered to students who are beginning their studies.
The new scholarship, created through the University of Nebraska Foundation, builds on the CLAAS Foundation’s longstanding international focus and sends a strong signal in support of cross-border cooperation in agricultural engineering education.
The partnership with UNL represents more than just an institutional collaboration: It brings together two traditions of excellence in agricultural engineering — the European and the North American.
CLAAS Foundation Study Abroad Fund
In addition, the CLAAS Foundation established a fund to support students in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering who are participating in a short-term study abroad program offered in collaboration with the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
The study abroad program underscores the CLAAS Foundation’s appreciation for academic achievement even in the early stages of a student’s studies and enhances the appeal of a career in agricultural engineering.
“We are tremendously grateful to the CLAAS Foundation for its generous support of our students,” said Joe Luck, interim head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “This gift highlights our strong partnership with the CLAAS Foundation. We share a common goal to support students who are pursuing their dream of a career in agricultural engineering, serving the well-being of Nebraska and the global community.”
The CLAAS Foundation’s generosity supports “Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future“, a historic effort to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. The campaign’s top priority is student access and success.
Photo-Download: https://dam.claas.com/pinaccess/showpin.do?pinCode=wRqACrBCP1wb
1148662: Helmut Claas, 2013
About the CLAAS Foundation
The CLAAS Foundation, based in Harsewinkel, Germany, supports STEM education with a special focus on agricultural technology — from elementary school through college, from Germany to North America. Its programs include scholarships, university partnerships, and support initiatives for schools and teachers.
About the University of Nebraska Foundation
The University of Nebraska Foundation grows relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. During fiscal year 2025, a record $416.6 million was committed to aid UNK, UNL, UNO, NCTA and UNMC and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine. In addition, a record 60,602 donors supported the University of Nebraska. Alumni engagement and fundraising are efficient, with the University of Nebraska receiving more than $7 in gifts for every $1 spent. Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future is the current campaign with a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. More information is at OnlyinNebraska.org.