Scholarships, increased funding in Ricketts education initiative

In a press conference Monday, Jan. 7, Governor Pete Ricketts announced plans to create Nebraska talent scholarships and increase funding for programs such as the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI).

According to an NSCS press release, the initiatives are “designed to connect Nebraskans to high-paying jobs and great educational opportunities.” Ricketts called the legislation “critical” and noted the need to grow our state through job opportunities.

“These new initiatives will help more Nebraskans find the pathway to a great career,” Ricketts said. “I look forward to working with the Legislature on these measures as a part of the budget recommendation I will be making next week.”

The budget recommendation includes the creation of Nebraska Talent Scholarships, a scholarship program that would provide $4,000 scholarships for specific programs at Nebraska’s higher education institutions. These scholarships would be renewable for up to four years and target different areas of study at all of Nebraska’s universities and colleges. For the state college system, 250 scholarships a year would be created for students in rangeland management, criminal justice and information technology programs.

These scholarships would be available to both incoming and current students.

According to Chadron State College President Randy Rhine, The Nebraska higher education system could also see a 6.1 percent increase in funding to cover salaries and health insurance increases in the next biennial budget period.

Governor Ricketts is also planning on expanding the DYTI, which exposes middle school students to careers in manufacturing and information technology. The current program has provided grants to over 7,000 students in 23 public school districts, averaging 2 grants per year. In the expanded plan, Ricketts proposes to expand the $250,000 annual grant budget to $1.5 million annually, allowing for 12 grants per year.

In the same press release, Nebraska State College Chancellor Paul Turman announced his support, explaining the funding would encourage students to enter high-need professions and make college more affordable at state institutions.

“The Nebraska State College System is excited to work with Governor Ricketts on the Nebraska Talent Scholarship initiative.  These scholarships will increase the number of State College graduates entering the workforce in the high-need areas identified by Nebraska businesses in our community meetings,” Turman said.  “It also expands opportunities and increases affordability for our students to attend Chadron, Peru, or Wayne State College.  The initiative connects students with business and industry during their college careers, resulting in an increased likelihood that these students will choose to enter the workforce in these businesses or elsewhere in rural Nebraska.”

According to Rhine, if this legislation is passed, CSC could see “long term benefits”, including a “raised visibility” to the college and its programs.

“The long term benefits to CSC will be the increase in our base budget, increases in enrollment, and more graduates in these needed fields.  Additionally, I believe this effort will raise the visibility of campus throughout the region and potential students will become knowledgeable about all the opportunities to pursue their educational goals at Chadron State,” Rhine said.