Community Hosts for Flood Recovery Projects

Aerial shot of flooded fields

The University of Nebraska is seeking community leaders to serve as hosts for a new summer program that will send students to assist in recovery efforts from the recent devastating floods.

Local leaders representing government, business, education, the nonprofit world or other sectors who have ideas for service projects suited to students are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be asked to describe the projects students would perform, as well as skills that would be helpful.

Nebraska Extension specialists, together with a universitywide team that is coordinating NU’s flood response efforts, will select the community hosts after evaluating potential projects based on the mutual value they would provide for students and the communities.

“The University of Nebraska’s commitment to the state is that we’re going to be there for as long as it takes to recover from this natural disaster,” said Chuck Hibberd, dean and director of Nebraska Extension. “Our new flood recovery serviceships are a great example of how the university can be a partner to the state in rebuilding while simultaneously providing our students with real-world, impactful experience serving their communities.

“We’re anxious – and we know our students are anxious – to go where we’re needed and work hand-in-hand with local leaders on the road to recovery. We hope community leaders will take this opportunity to tell us how our students can serve them best.”

Community leaders with questions on the application process or serviceship program are invited to reach out to a local Extension expert.

Based on a successful model developed by NU’s Rural Futures Institute, the flood recovery serviceship program will place up to 50 NU students in Nebraska communities for public service projects throughout the summer. Applications are open now and all undergraduate, graduate and professional students from any University of Nebraska campus can apply

Students will be paid $12.50 per hour for their work and may have the opportunity to earn college credit. The program is funded by a $250,000 investment from the University of Nebraska.