Rural Prosperity Nebraska

Eight University of Nebraska–Lincoln students are spending part of their summer immersed in Nebraska communities as Rural Fellows. The students are living and working alongside residents in Curtis, Hastings, York and Knox County, contributing to local projects while gaining hands-on experience as part of Rural Prosperity Nebraska's "externship" program. The seven-week internships run through July 17. Read all about it at go.unl.edu/rpnnews

RPN Extension Educator Ben Jewell won the Center for Rural Affaris' Partner Award for his work and support for local community and economic development. Congratulations, Ben!

Ben Jewell envisions a future where Nebraska schools and other institutions could source 50% or more of their food locally. This would keep millions of dollars in the state economy and also provide fresher, healthier food to students and communities.

This type of thinking, along with years of hard work, led to Ben receiving this year’s Partner Award from the Center for Rural Affairs.

“Schools and farmers are both very busy and have a lot going on. They often don’t have time for some of the slower, relationship-building type of work, so that’s the role I try to play. I help facilitate those connections and help them understand where each side is coming from.” – Ben Jewell

Read our blog to learn about Ben’s contributions to strengthening local and regional food systems in Nebraska.

RPN Extension Educator talks about thinking of community leadership development in a whole new way. Watch her talk about the work she and the RPN team have been doing in Seward and Taylor:

Strengthening Leadership in Rural Nebraska Communities Nebraska Extension’s Rural Prosperity Nebraska team and UNL faculty have been collaborating with the communities of Taylor and Seward on a new approach to leade

If you’re looking for local foods grown in your area, Christina Lyons from the Beatrice Daily Sun wrote an amazing story about Buy Fresh Buy Local, the university’s program for getting food from Nebraska farms onto your tables.

"The whole point is to foster joy and connections with the local farmers, but also knowing where you can access fresh, local foods is important. It’s about food security, resiliency and community pride.”

Read the whole story here: https://archive.is/G1Et2 -3663.0-3676.0

RPN Extension Educator Shawn Kaskie is back on NTV talking about the resources available to those affected by the Nebraska wildfires! Check them out here:

Resources available for Nebraskans affected by natural disasters Nebraskans that have been affected by tornadoes, wildfires, or anything else Mother Nature has thrown at us this year may be looking for resources for help, an

RPN Extension Educator Shawn Kaskie talks about upcoming workshops for small business owners and entrepreneurs on NTV. Great job, Shawn!

Small Business Classes Available Nebraskans interested in starting a small business have access to free classes to help with the endeavor. Shawk Kaskie from Rural Prosperity Nebraska joined NTV

RPN Extension Educator Rulon Taylor appeared on Pure Nebraska to talk about a new online platform to help producers sell locally, consumers buy locally, and everyone enjoy the benefits of fresh, healthy foods!

Online resource connects producers, consumers with market opportunities Pure Nebraska

I you missed it, you still don't have to miss out. Watch this month's Rural Rendezvous to see Madi Wilkinson and sister Allie Benzel, from Sidney, talk about The Sidney Park Project, a state-of-the-art, all-inclusive playground. go.unl.edu/rpnnews

We love being part of growth and change in Nebraska's rural communities! Thanks, Loup County Public Schools Foundation!

The LCPS Foundation is helping build a stronger future for both our school and community — and the work happening behind the scenes is making a real impact.

Since January, the Foundation has partnered with UNL Rural Prosperity Nebraska and invited their team into Loup County to lead conversations focused on growth, opportunity, and long-term success for our community.

Together, the team has been exploring ways to better develop our county’s resources, strengthen our workforce, and create opportunities that help Loup County continue to thrive for generations to come.

Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s mission is in its name: rural prosperity. Since 2018, Nebraska Extension educators have worked alongside rural communities across the state to help them grow stronger, more connected, and more sustainable. More importantly, it’s about the stories of real people taking real action to improve their communities and the state of Nebraska.

The LCPS Foundation is proud to support initiatives that invest not only in our students, but in the future of our entire community. Thank you to everyone dedicating time, ideas, and passion toward making Loup County an even better place to live, work, and learn.