{"id":106226,"date":"2023-12-20T01:58:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T07:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=106226"},"modified":"2023-12-19T15:21:29","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T21:21:29","slug":"career-scholarships-enhancing-student-success-workforce-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2023\/12\/20\/career-scholarships-enhancing-student-success-workforce-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Career Scholarships enhancing student success, workforce development"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Three years into its implementation, the Nebraska Career Scholarships, a state-supported initiative that provides scholarships to students in high-demand fields, is having a significant impact on student success and workforce growth at the University of Nebraska.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data from the university\u2019s latest report to the Nebraska Legislature, submitted earlier this month, show the Career Scholarships are providing significant returns in terms of student retention, graduation and employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This academic year, 1,120 University of Nebraska students have received Career Scholarships. Half of those students are pursuing health care-related degrees, followed by engineering, computer information systems and math \u2013 all high-growth areas for Nebraska\u2019s workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, more than 92% of Career Scholarship recipients from the 2022-23 academic year either graduated or still are enrolled in a scholarship-eligible program this year. That compares to 80% for non-Career Scholarship recipients, evidence that the program is helping to drive student success and workforce development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Career Scholarships are a win-win for students and Nebraska\u2019s economic competitiveness. I\u2019m so pleased that this program is already creating significant impact for our state,\u201d University of Nebraska Interim President Chris Kabourek said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese scholarships are an important part of our goal to keep more of our best and brightest students here in our state. I know we can do even more to be competitive for student talent, and I look forward to working closely with Governor Pillen and other state leaders to create additional opportunities for every Nebraska student to attend college, pursue their dreams and start great careers right here in Nebraska.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approved in 2020 by the Legislature and then-Gov. Pete Ricketts and implemented the following year, the Career Scholarships support Nebraska students enrolled in eligible high-demand programs and who meet certain academic requirements. Students receiving the scholarship must complete a Nebraska-based internship, apprenticeship, clinical position or other relevant work before graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program has been continued under the leadership of current Gov. Jim Pillen, with $8 million allocated to the university this year for Career Scholarships. Scholarship funds also are provided to Nebraska\u2019s state and community colleges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Career Scholarships are doing exactly what they were intended to do: create opportunities for students and grow Nebraska\u2019s workforce. I know the impact of this forward-thinking program will only grow in the years to come,\u201d said Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare, who testified before the Legislature in support of the Career Scholarships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI thank Governor Ricketts, Governor Pillen and our elected leaders for their support for this important effort. Working together, we can make sure Nebraska is a top choice for every student who\u2019s willing to work hard and create a better future for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The legislation creating the Career Scholarships requires the university to submit an annual report on the program\u2019s outcomes. Other highlights from this year\u2019s report:<\/p>\n\n\n\n