Rural Fellows Celebrate Conclusion of Summer-long Internships
August 6, 2021
For the past 10 weeks, 34 college students from Nebraska and Kansas have participated in an immersive internship program in 17 rural communities across Nebraska.
Known as Rural Fellows, these students worked with local leaders on improving their communities. Projects included mapping out trail systems, creating a library of small-business promotional videos, downtown revitalization efforts and movie nights in community parks.
Not Clowning Around: Plainview Thrives Under Entrepreneur Program
If you walked down Plainview’s Locust Street in 2018, you would’ve passed a lot of dark windows and empty storefronts. Growth had been stagnant for almost 10 years, and the community was struggling. Susan Norris was hired to change that.
“There was a real disconnect between the city and the people,” said Norris, director of Pierce County Economic Development.
Hay Helps Rural Nebraskans Explore Clean Energy Option
Making the switch to clean energy is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. John Hay, a Nebraska Extension educator who conducts workshops on solar energy, helps individuals make the decision that best suits their home, farm, ranch or business.
“Success isn’t always choosing to install solar,” he said. “Success is doing a good analysis of the resources to make the best decision.”
Nebraska Extension’s Barrera Helps Immigrant Business Owners
“Follow your passion,” says Sandra Barrera, associate extension educator with Nebraska Extension. She tells this to every new business owner she helps. And she means it, because every day she follows hers.
Extension Educator Receives National Award for Promoting the Good Life
Lincoln, Neb., May 19, 2021 – Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, an Extension educator of agricultural economics, has received the Distinguished Career Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals for her nearly 40 years of service to community development. The award ceremony, which honors one recipient annually, concluded NACDEP’s 2021 conference, which was held virtually this year.
Rural Fellows Embark on Summer of Community Development
Lincoln, Neb. —Working in pairs or trios, 35 University of Nebraska–Lincoln students will take part in the Rural Fellowship program while living and working in 17 communities across the state this summer.
During their 10-week residence, the fellows will collaborate with local leaders on improving the communities. Project goals include strengthening the communities’ web presence, attracting entrepreneurs, and developing city parks and trails.