CASNR & Omaha Public Schools Agricultural Industry Programs
Connects college and high school students with global leaders in agriculture, introduces career pathways, and identifies workforce development opportunities.
About the Campaign
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) coordinates the Omaha Ag Industry Program for college and Omaha Public Schools (OPS) students at no cost to the students. CASNR students travel to Omaha 5 days each academic year to meet with 10 leading organizations. OPS students will visit 3 organizations. Each program will culminate in a final event focused on reflection, future opportunities, and career readiness. Your donation will support student transportation, meals, and the final student event.
How does this impact students?
Beginning in 2024, the Omaha Ag Industry Program has provided 2 cohorts of undergraduate CASNR students with direct access to leaders in the agricultural industry and provided opportunity not typically available through traditional classroom experiences. Through conversations with industry leaders, students gain knowledge of the rich agricultural heritage that continues to shape the state’s economy and the global reach of organizations based in Nebraska as well as identify educational pathways, explore career opportunities, and build meaningful professional connections. These experiences help develop a prepared connected workforce for the future.
This year, Omaha Public Schools students have the same opportunity. CASNR is partnering with OPS and 3 leading agricultural industries to connect students to industry leaders and explore educational and career pathways.
Why should you support this project?
These programs align with three priorities shared by CASNR donors: advancing student success, developing a strong workforce, and strengthening Nebraska’s agricultural industry. By connecting college and high school students with leading global agricultural companies headquartered in Omaha, the programs provide meaningful exposure to the breadth and depth of career opportunities in agriculture and related industries. These experiences expand students’ awareness of educational and career pathways, introduce them to professions they may not have previously considered, and help them better understand how their interests and skills can translate into rewarding careers. At the same time, the programs strengthen connections between education and industry, helping to build a knowledgeable, prepared talent pipeline to support the future workforce needs of Nebraska’s agricultural sector.