Partnerships Power Colleges and Universities in Kearney, NE

UNK Communications

Cooperation between colleges and universities in Kearney plays a pivotal role in the region’s workforce development efforts, helping ensure a steady pipeline of highly skilled talent flows to local industries. 

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and Central Community College (CCC) have developed a robust partnership over the years that demonstrates their commitment to providing high-quality education, economic development and meeting regional workforce needs. 

Positive Pathways Spark Success

For example, a business pathway program allows students to complete an associate degree at CCC and transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree at UNK. In fact, some 40% of CCC academic transfer graduates continue their education at UNK each year. 

“Our partnership with CCC, which includes 2+2 guided pathways and co-enrollment programs, creates a clear and efficient route for students to transition from associate to bachelor’s degrees without losing credits,” says Todd Gottula, senior director of communications and marketing at UNK. “Students benefit from an affordable education, flexible learning options and access to both institutions’ resources, all of which enhance their academic and career opportunities.” 

Central Community College

Gottula says another example of this cooperation is a residential housing partnership that enables CCC students at the Kearney Center to live in UNK residence halls and access university services, creating a seamless transition to the four-year university. 

“This collaboration directly supports workforce and economic development by producing well-prepared graduates who meet the specific needs of local employers, driving regional growth and innovation,” he says. “We are always looking for new, creative opportunities to collaborate with CCC and enhance the student experience.” 

A 2014 agreement allows CCC students to complete their degree in information technology at UNK, helping meet the high demand for computing professionals in the region, and in 2021, UNK and CCC joined the Equity Transfer Initiative to increase college completion rates for underrepresented students. 

Additionally, the two institutions have transfer agreements in such in-demand fields as construction management, criminal justice, education and health science. 

“The educational programing at CCC is closely aligned to the careers found within the region, and 94% of graduates gain full-time employment within our 25-county service area,” says Kelly Christensen, vice president of community and workforce development for Central Community College. “Central Community College will soon be offering nursing courses on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This will be in the new Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex scheduled for completion in late 2025 or early 2026.” 

Early Start to Future 

Christensen says CCC begins priming the talent pipeline even before students enroll at the college. The college partners with local schools to provide dual credit and early college courses for high school juniors and seniors – many of which are available at a reduced cost or tuition-free. 

“Early college courses have the ability to save students both time and money on their college career regardless of their educational goals. For students who decide to continue their education with Central Community College, they may be eligible for the Transition Advantage Scholarship, which provides for another 12 college credits tuition-free,” he says. 

CCC is one of six community colleges in Nebraska dedicated to providing students and members of their service communities access to efficient, hands-on training at an affordable price and offers some 37 technical and degree programs. 

“Our mission is to ensure that our efforts benefit the workforce and economic development throughout the central Nebraska region. Our K-12 and postsecondary partnerships ensure that we are working to be as efficient and affordable as possible,” Christensen says. 

Central Community College

For its part, UNK offers 117 undergraduate majors, 22 pre-professional programs, 53 graduate programs and 12 certificate programs. 

“At UNK, we are committed to driving the region’s workforce development by equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet local industry demands. Our programs are designed to align with the needs of employers in central Nebraska,” Gottula says. “We prepare students for in-demand careers by offering hands-on learning experiences, internships and strong industry connections that ensure they are job-ready upon graduation.” 

Kearney Public Schools Prepare Students for Success

When students graduate from Kearney Public Schools, they are well prepared for success, whether they are headed to college or straight to a promising career. The school district offers a diverse menu of academic and training programs that help students discover their interests, skills and talents.

“With a full complement of both programs and competitions, Kearney Public Schools offer all students a wide set of experiential learning opportunities to explore,” says Jason Mundorf, superintendent of Kearney Public Schools. “This gives parents an even greater confidence that their child has had the opportunity to sample several career areas with the hopes of developing those interests into well-paying jobs after high school.”

Kearney High School, for example, offers career and technical education programs in such high-demand areas as construction management, welding, auto mechanics, engineering and mechatronics, culinary arts, nursing and health sciences, business, visual and graphic arts, and agriculture.

Mundorf says the school will also soon offer an Army JROTC program, while the Hanny Arram Center for Success will provide students with career exploration, field trips and job shadowing experiences through the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. Additionally, the school is partnering with Trane Heating & Air to expose students to electrical data analysis and conversation practices.

“We have the strong belief that we should have a well-rounded set of experiential courses for students to develop their interests in a number of career-based educational experiences,” Mundorf says.

This can include work-based experiences, apprenticeships and employment opportunities that further develop students’ skills and interests for post-secondary study or professional work experiences.

Kearney Public Schools also partners with Central Community College and the University of Nebraska at Kearney to offer dual credit classes. Students can earn credits for certificate or degree completion at either or both institutions for reduced tuition. The coursework allows students to experience the college setting, environment and expectations while simultaneously earning high school credit. CCC is located directly across the street from Kearney High School, allowing students to easily travel back and forth for college classes as their schedules allow.

Beyond the wide array of course offerings and work-based learning experiences, Kearney Public Schools also has a number of career-technical skill organizations (CTSOs) that allow students to extend their classroom learning in fun, competitive environments.

Some of the CTSOs include FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Educators Rising, Skills USA, and Health Occupations Students of America.