The Rural Fellowship program is a unique program designed to connect college students to rural Nebraska communities to provide hands-on working experience for students who will be helping communities accomplish community identified projects. The student Fellows typically work on projects related to workforce and economic development, business development, early childhood education, community marketing and communication, entrepreneurship, mental health services, while learning about and experiencing inclusive community leadership.
Through their projects, Rural Fellows help communities solve problems, address pressing issues, and build on each town’s unique assets. The work pays off—recent economic analysis indicates that, on average, participating communities realized an economic impact of over $15,000 by hosting Fellows. In addition, student and community Fellows gain valuable diversity experience, develop inclusive leadership skills, and build connections throughout the state.
To better prepare students and communities for the Rural Fellows experience, all selected student and community Fellows receive a three-week training hosted by Dr. Helen Fagan, RPN’s diversity and inclusion researcher and consultant, and her team. The interactive and transformational training focuses on inclusive leadership, team building, and community development.
Additionally, students and community Fellows receive the following:
- Individualized coaching by qualified coaches throughout the summer
- Guidance and a community visit from RPN staff
- Numerous connections to experts across the NU system
By working closely with research faculty from across the NU system, students connect the university’s intellectual capital with communities in every corner of the state.
For more information and to apply visit https://ruralprosperityne.unl.edu/rural-fellows.
More details at: https://ruralprosperityne.unl.edu/rural-fellows