Second-Annual Youth Summit Results In 300+ Student Applications for Career Opportunities in Nebraska, $20,000 in Scholarship Awards
Nebraska’s employers are creating great careers. The state’s students are in search of rewarding opportunities. The mission of the Governor’s Youth Summit is to connect the two, bringing together industry leaders and top young talent for a day of career exploration.
In its second year, the Youth Summit sold out, drawing more than 640 participants to Kearney, including students, chaperones, and sponsors.
“Our message to the state’s youth is simple: you can achieve your dream in Nebraska,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “As state leaders, we have a responsibility to create paths for our kids to succeed right here at home. That’s why we started the Youth Summit. We are aggressively recruiting our students into the incredible career opportunities being created across Nebraska.”
Approximately 500 high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates accepted the State’s invitation to attend the Youth Summit in Kearney, which was free for students. Participating youth met one-on-one with business and college leaders, gaining privileged access to internship, scholarship, and employment opportunities in Nebraska.
“I have loved the Youth Summit! It is my first year attending,” said Lesly Sanchez-Hererra, who attends the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and participated in the event as a student leader. “It has been a great experience with the leadership opportunities I’ve been given, and the information I’ve been able to give to other students has been very valuable [as well].”
During the Youth Summit, Lesly received a scholarship from the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation to provide financial assistance as she studies entrepreneurship at UNO. She was one of several students who received a combined total of $20,000 in scholarship awards.
By setting up a profile on the CareerPathway.com app prior to the event, students could browse career opportunities in advance of the Youth Summit. This helped them prioritize connections to make during the event. Over the course of the Youth Summit, students made hundreds of industry explorations—either through personal conversations or via the app. Collectively, they filled out more than 300 applications for career opportunities in Nebraska.
“Employers are becoming more aware of the talent that our youth have to offer in Nebraska and willing to give them a chance,” said Becca Bradley, Nebraska Regional Director for Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). “They are excited to be at the Youth Summit, just like our students are. The opportunities being offered by employers [during the event] are once-in-a-lifetime!”
Husker AD Troy Dannen, Coach Fred Hoiberg keynote the Youth Summit
Students began their day at the Youth Summit with an inspiring message from Troy Dannen, athletic director at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). During his remarks, Dannen provided insights on navigating change and on the importance of finding mentors when establishing a career.
The day wrapped up with a keynote address from Fred Hoiberg, head men’s basketball coach for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Coach Hoiberg shared lessons learned from his own career journey, which has included stints as an NBA player, front office leader, and head coach. In particular, he advised students to glean wisdom from more experienced leaders and to pass it along to up-and-coming members of the team.
Statewide support empowers Nebraska youth
Students also had the opportunity to take part in interactive sessions to discuss post-high school pathways in Nebraska. Panelists included representatives from Northeast Community College, the University of Nebraska System, Bryan Health, Google, Collins Aerospace, Wayne State College, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
More than 30 organizations sponsored the Youth Summit. Along with providing financial support, sponsors participated directly in the event, offering career opportunities to students.
“The impact of the Youth Summit is huge,” said Desirea Clark, human resource service coordinator for Nebraska Public Power District. “For the students, it's great to learn about what's out there in all of the industries. Being here to talk about the utility industry gives [them] an eye opening of what we do and why it's so important. We made really great connections; there were a lot of great students in attendance!”
On behalf of the Governor’s Office, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) organized the Youth Summit in collaboration with CareerPathway.com. DED would like to recognize and thank the many generous sponsors of the Youth Summit (listed below). The agency would also like to thank Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, Boys Town, and the many other schools and youth organizations who brought students to the Youth Summit.
Interested in participating in the 2027 Governor’s Youth Summit? Fill out the Prospective Sponsor Survey on the Youth Summit website at https://govsummit.nebraska.gov/youth/, or contact Madeline Adkins (Madeline.Adkins@nebraska.gov) for more information.
2026 Governor’s Youth Summit - Sponsoring Organizations
- Platinum Sponsors
- IBEW Local 22
- Nebraska State College System (Chadron State College, Peru State College, Wayne State College)
- Gold Sponsors
- Barrientos Scholarship Foundation
- Bryan College of Health Sciences
- Bryan Health
- Central Community College
- Collins Aerospace
- Crete Carrier
- fnbo
- General Dynamics
- Invest Nebraska
- Kawasaki
- Nebraska Army National Guard
- Nebraska Bankers Association
- University of Nebraska System (University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska Medical Center)
- Silver Sponsors
- Aksarben Foundation
- The Bay
- Bison
- The Builder Foundation
- Duncan Aviation
- EducationQuest Foundation
- Farm Credit Services of America
- Klute
- Lozier
- MAC Foundation
- Nebraska Department of Correctional Services
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- Nebraska Public Power District
- Nebraska Startup Academy
- University of Nebraska - College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
- University of Nebraska - College of Engineering
- Valmont
- York General
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