What's Happening?
Three colleges within the Nebraska State College System—Chadron State College, Peru State College, and Wayne State College—are partnering with the nonprofit InsideTrack to reengage over 3,000 former students
who have been away from college for more than a year. The initiative, named Reengage Nebraska, aims to provide one-on-one coaching to help these students overcome logistical and financial barriers to completing their degrees. InsideTrack will train college staff in its coaching methodology, enabling them to collect data on why students drop out and use these insights to improve retention strategies. The program seeks to build student confidence and link academic achievements directly to career opportunities.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for Nebraska's economy, which is currently facing a labor shortage with only 70 workers available for every 100 job openings. By helping former students complete their degrees, the program aims to increase their earning potential and strengthen the workforce. According to a Kansas State University study, students who complete their degrees after stopping out earn significantly more annually. The program not only benefits individual learners but also contributes to the long-term economic strength of Nebraska by addressing the gap between higher education and workforce needs.
What's Next?
The Reengage Nebraska program will run for 18 months, during which InsideTrack will continue to train college staff and refine its coaching strategies based on collected data. The initiative may serve as a model for other states facing similar workforce challenges. Additionally, students who have completed at least 90 credits may be eligible for an associate degree without further coursework, providing immediate benefits to those close to graduation.
Beyond the Headlines
The program highlights the importance of addressing educational barriers for adult learners, who often juggle work and family responsibilities. By focusing on these students, Nebraska colleges are investing in community development and economic resilience. The initiative also underscores the role of data-driven strategies in enhancing educational outcomes and workforce readiness.
