KEARNEY, Neb. - State leaders came together Thursday to motivate the next generation as a part of Governor Jim Pillen's annual Youth Summit in Kearney.

The message was "dream big, work hard, and build Nebraska's future." Inside the summit, over 300 high school and college students heard a call to lead bold- from the classroom, to the field and beyond.

Governor Jim Pillen and head Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule told students that success requires belief, discipline, and action.

"If something's important and means something to you, you can tell not by your words but by your actions," said Rhule.

He challenged them to push past excuses and invest fully in their future. Coach Rhule shared lessons from his journey in football, emphasizing perseverance, even when the path isn't easy.

"It's hard to be special, it's hard to be great, it's hard to be the first, it's hard to be innovative," said Rhule. "But that's the only way we can get it done."

Governor Pillen encourages students to compete with one another, not just in sports and academics, but in leadership and work ethic.

"This is critical because the 300 young people that are here,  coming from all walks of life and all different ways of growing up,  are learning about extraordinary careers. They are going to be connecting with business leaders across the state today to learn and know that they can have a great career, find their passion, so they never work a day their life," said Pillen.

Rhule reminded them that belief in others starts with belief in oneself through consistent effort, even when no one is watching.

"We have to be bold every single day. We have to invest. We have to build up. We have to recruit. We have to compete. We have to inspire  even when we don't want to," said Rhule.

He added that "the world needs people like us. And if not us, then who? And if not now, then when?"

From investing to themselves to inspiring others, young Nebraskans were told they have everything they need right here in the state to lead boldly in the future.

The summit brought together voices from across the state and were all focused on preparing Nebraska's next generation for whatever crosses their path.