The Northeast Nebraska iHub project has been awarded a grant from the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation.
The Foundation’s mission is to empower individuals, particularly children, to build better futures by providing tools and fostering mindsets that encourage them to become changemakers. One focus of the iHub project is to involve youth with STEM and show them the career fields that exist in northeast Nebraska.
While construction is slated for completion in late spring to early summer of 2026, iHub Director Erin Sharpe and Trainer Henry Goeden are already engaging students across Northeast’s 20-county service area. Northeast Community College’s iHub welcomed more than 240 students this summer to a series of hands-on camps focused on robotics, coding, and STEM exploration. Over the course of eight weeks in June and July, the iHub led 14 summer camp programs across five communities – Norfolk, Randolph, South Sioux City, West Point and O’Neill – serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with most participants in grades four to eight.
“About 90% of our equipment is portable,” explained iHub Director Erin Sharpe. “We will be able to take equipment throughout the region and visit schools and other nonprofits.”
“These camps provide students with hands-on experience in robotics, coding, and teamwork,” Sharpe said, “sparking curiosity and skills that can lead to future career interests but most of all it builds confidence.”
The iHub is an $8.5 million initiative located in an 18,000 square foot facility in downtown Norfolk. By focusing on upscaling and credentialing, the iHub is poised to become a cornerstone for manufacturing and agriculture sectors, fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.
“We sincerely appreciate the support of the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation in this project,” said Tracy Kruse, Northeast Community College vice president of Development and External Affair. “Their investment will help grow the economy of our region, providing challenging, good paying jobs for future generations of northeast Nebraskans.”
Ruth and the late Bill Scott are natives of Ashland and alumni of the University of Nebraska. Ruth was an educator and currently teaches bridge at the Omaha Bridge Studio, which she founded. Bill joined the Buffett Partnership in 1959 and Berkshire Hathaway in 1970. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 93. The William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation was formed in 1998 and annually awards more than $45 million to nonprofits in Omaha and the region.
The College earlier announced two leadership gifts for the iHub: $250,000 from Nucor Divisions in Nebraska and $250,000 from Norfolk Iron and Metal. Other manufacturers, employers, and financial institutions are also being asked to support the project with fundraising efforts continuing through the spring.
Naming rights are available for donations of $25,000 and above, with gifts from $500 to $24,999 acknowledged on a donor recognition display.
Northeast is in the final stages of fundraising and invites supporters to make a difference by contributing gifts of all sizes between now and the end of the year. For more information on the iHub Campaign, contact Tracy Kruse at foundation@northeast.edu or call 402-844-7240. Online donations are accepted at northeast.edu/give. Checks may also be mailed to the iHub Campaign, Northeast Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 469, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469.
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