Schools can pack a high school gym for a sporting event nearly any night of the week, however, it might be rare to pack one for a discussion on career readiness. However, that’s exactly what can be expected in Albion, Nebraska, where it’s clear the school and business community are invested in students’ future.

As one of five schools selected by the Nebraska Department of Education for an expanded learning grant, Boone Central has been on the forefront of success with its expanding rural Career Academies model, career-focused curriculum, and real-world internships. Schools across the state are taking notice and routinely, Sarah Bird and Lynne Webster, the coordinators behind the future-ready push, consult with other similar-sized high schools to share ways they too can begin working more closely with local businesses to create valuable, hands-on experiences for students.

O’Neill, Neligh-Oakdale, Elgin and Lakeview Community Schools joined Boone Central and community partners to talk specifically about their efforts to increase career education options for students in the area. Needless to say, communities across Nebraska want to tap into a thriving economy and job market and schools are taking steps to meet this challenge and equip our students for success.

This film, Ready to Work, and its accompanying panel discussion are part of a special live event series between News Channel Nebraska and Nebraska Loves Public Schools. Tune in at 28:50 to catch the full discussion.