This initiative aims to strengthen workforce development in agriculture and natural resources sectors
Nebraska Extension educator Leslie Johnson (left) speaks during a breakout session at Northeast Education Compact's annual conference at Northeast Community College in Norfolk. Standing next to Johnson is Doug Zaleski, director of the Eastern Nebraska Center for Research, Extension and Education. (Photo by Jerry Guenther/Northeast Community College)
LINCOLN, Neb. — A Northeast Nebraska education partnership that includes the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is honing strategies to increase learning opportunities for students. The initiative also strengthens collaboration with private companies to strengthen human resource development in agriculture and natural resources.
Representatives from member institutions attended the Compact's annual planning summit, which will be held this year at Northeast Community College in Norfolk on March 19. Twenty-one school districts in northeast Nebraska are participating in the compact, along with a range of higher education institutions and her three education service departments.
The main focus of the March 19th session was to strengthen communication with industry to give students an early introduction to career possibilities and make the most of apprenticeships and other opportunities. Interactions with private companies will help educational institutions ensure that their educational content meets the needs of the private sector, attendees said.
Tara Sumidra, chair of Northeast Community College's Department of Science, Technology, Agriculture and Mathematics, said the compact is appropriate as a “bridge” between schools and employers to meet the broad needs of students. He said that it is in a good position.
“Students can go in many different directions” when it comes to career interests and educational needs, Sumidra said, “so it's important to have a clear pathway that gives students all the opportunities they need.” ”. “Compact has connections with multiple high schools and ESU, so it’s a great group to work with and work together on that.”
Ron Loggins, dean of Wayne State University's College of Science, said dialogue with private companies will help Compact's two-year and four-year institutions adjust instruction, hone their accreditation processes, meet industry needs, and improve their long-term goals. He said this could help foster a strong talent pipeline. , Health and Criminal Justice.
This regional initiative, the Northeast Nebraska Agricultural Science and Natural Resources Education Compact, was launched in 2019 and expanded in membership in 2022. This is the state's first regional education partnership.
The group's March 19 meeting was led by Tammy Mittelstedt, statewide education and career paths coordinator for the university's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. This conference includes an experience path for teachers and students, compact procedures. Workforce development. and expanding experiential learning opportunities at the university's Haskell Agricultural Research Institute in Concord.
The 550-acre property, located 24 miles north of Wayne, includes extensive farmland, farming and ranching facilities, an arboretum, pollinator garden, and beehive. The compact holds annual teacher conferences there to coordinate Haskell-based learning opportunities for students.
Participants agreed that Compact affiliates do a good job of providing many valuable events for students, such as career days and field trips. CASNR provides newsletters and events to help Compact members understand the resources available across partner organizations.
Conference participants discussed the potential of communication plan forms such as listservs that could enhance interaction among Compact teachers.
“Our goal for the teacher-student experience is to determine how we can connect with teachers and inform them of opportunities we can support them with, including curriculum, school activities, and field trips,” Monti said. I did. Mr. Larsen is a lecturer in the university's Department of Agriculture Leadership, Education and Communication, providing outreach support to agricultural and skilled technical science educators.
Initial members of the compact starting in 2019 are CASNR, Little Priest Tribal College, Nebraska Technical and Agricultural College, Nebraska Indian Community College, Northeast Community College, Wayne Community Schools, and Wayne State College. It consisted of
In 2022, membership in the compact includes Educational Service Units 1, 7, and 8, as well as Ainsworth, Allen, Battle Creek, Boone Central, Crofton, Elkhorn Valley, Emerson Hubbard, Homer, Laurel Concord Coleridge, Neely Oakdale, O'Neill, Ponca, South Sioux City, Stanton, Summerland, Umonghon Nation, Walthill, Winnebago, Winside, Wisner Pilger.
— Geithner Simmons, IANR Communications
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
