AINSWORTH, Neb. – Students across Northeast Community College’s 20-county service area have learning opportunities that enable them to attain career goals as well as contribute to the region.
That attainment often comes in the form of higher education, including high school students earning dual credits that provide college credit at no cost.
A group of Northeast Community College representatives met last week at the Ainsworth Community/Conference Center downtown to discuss with area residents the opportunities, including “pathways” that enable students to pursue their academic and career goals.
“We appreciate the partnerships with healthcare professionals, city and county administrators, business partners, and school districts in the area,” said Charlene Widener, vice president of educational services.
“As Northeast continues to develop programming and services to address gaps in the Keya Paha, Brown, and Rock County areas, our partnerships will be imperative in making those pathways successful,” Widener said.
More than 25 citizens attended, along with nine of the 11 Northeast board members and four members of the college leadership team. Titled “Guided Pathways: The Northeast Approach to Supporting Rural Vitality,” the presentation included background information on Northeast, including its statutory purpose, governance and a discussion of guided pathways.
Ainsworth is one of two communities where Northeast has a regional office, which is available to assist students to find a pathway to learn skills for a trade or to take the first steps for a bachelor's degree.
Among the opportunities through Northeast, students have access to affordable education and training. Northeast’s campus in Norfolk also provides a college experience that includes campus living and student activities.
It was noted that Brown County has the highest percentage of dual enrollment in the 20-county service area, and the Keya Paha, Brown and Rock (KBR) counties are in the top one-third within the service area.
An example of the courses offered include:
• Building Construction
• Technical Math
• College Algebra
• English Composition
• Introduction to Music
• Nurse Aide
• Medical Terminology
• CPR/First Aid
• Biology
• Workplace Communications
• Criminal Justice
• History
• Psychology
• Agriculture
Other information shared came from the latest Northeast graduate report. Findings include that 99% of graduates are continuing their education or employed. It was noted that 87% are employed in Nebraska, with 52% of them employed in the 20-county service area, providing a good investment for taxpayers.
KBR Visit
Northeast Community College representatives had an opportunity last week to visit with community leaders from Keya Paha, Brown and Rock (KBR) counties at the Ainsworth Community/Conference Center. More than 25 citizens from KBR attended. (Northeast Community College)
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