LINCOLN—The Nebraska State College System—which serves more than 9,000 students across its three campuses annually—today announced the launch of an ambitious new system-wide initiative, Reengage Nebraska. The program is designed to help thousands of stopped-out students with some college credit but no degree return to higher education and complete a degree or credential.

Built in collaboration with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit InsideTrack, the effort will support re-enrollment, persistence and completion at Chadron State College, Peru State College and Wayne State College.

“Our State Colleges are built to serve those seeking to continue their education, building a career, raising a family or serving their community,” said Dr. Paul Turman, chancellor of the Nebraska State College System. “Reengage Nebraska is about bridging the last mile between higher education and economic opportunity. It’s also a powerful investment in individual opportunity and ultimately in the long-term strength of our workforce, our local economies and our communities.”

More than 315,000 Nebraskans—roughly one in three working-age adults in the state—started college, but never finished with a degree or certificate. Re-engaging even a fraction of these individuals represents a powerful opportunity to strengthen the state’s workforce. Nebraska faces one of the nation’s most acute labor shortages, with only about 70 workers available for every 100 job openings.

For the next 18 months, InsideTrack will partner with Reengage Nebraska to connect with more than 3,000 former students who have been away from Chadron State, Peru State or Wayne State College for at least a year. Designed to help more Nebraskans return to higher education and complete a degree or credential, Reengage Nebraska will take a multi-pronged approach to guide each student through the complex—and often daunting—process of re-enrolling and succeeding in college.

Participating students receive individualized coaching designed to help them clarify their goals, rebuild confidence, overcome logistical and financial barriers, reestablish a connection to the college community and ultimately overcome obstacles to returning. For those who have already completed 90 or more credits, the Nebraska State College System can also award an associate degree, providing an immediate boost to employment prospects and earning potential.  

Unlike traditional outreach campaigns focused solely on recruitment, the Reengage Nebraska initiative pairs direct, one-on-one student coaching with institutional capacity-building to sustain long-term support for adult learners. In parallel, InsideTrack will train and certify campus staff across Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges in its evidence-based coaching methodology, helping the colleges build in-house capacity and expertise that can be applied to all student populations and sustained for years to come. 

“Returning to college after stopping out takes grit and determination—and for working adults balancing jobs, families and financial pressures, it can feel overwhelming,” said Ruth Bauer, president of InsideTrack. “Reengage Nebraska is about cutting through red tape and removing the barriers that keep too many hardworking Nebraskans from finishing what they started. By reconnecting learners to opportunity—and linking degrees directly to careers—we’re helping people change their lives, strengthen their communities and power Nebraska’s economy for the long haul.”

Chadron State College offers a variety of online undergraduate degree programs. Select courses are offered in convenient eight-week sessions. Undergraduate degrees are affordable and transfer-friendly. Options include Applied Sciences in Technical Occupations, Business, Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, Geoscience (field camp required), Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics, Psychological Sciences.

Dr. Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly, Vice President of Academic Affairs, said online courses are an important part of providing accessible education to students.

“It is especially important for our adult students who are working full-time and need to be able to complete classes around their work and family commitments.”

In addition to the convenience of online courses, CSC provides personal support to help returning students navigate the academic process from start to finish, according to Dr. Derry Ebert, Vice President of Enrollment Management.

“The START Advisors guide our students as they return to college and offer help in evaluating credit, selecting classes, and creating a schedule to balance their school with work and family responsibilities. We provide one-on-one attention to students so they can have a clear, achievable plan towards completing their degree,” Ebert said.

Joshua Randall of Kenesaw, Nebraska, said he feels valued as a non-traditional student taking classes online.

“All of my teachers, especially Dr. Lorie Hunn in the FCS program, made me feel valued as if I were attending class in person. They are very responsive to my needs and have provided me with everything needed to become successful. I appreciate staff asking for feedback from their students and actually making changes based on the information they receive," Randall said.

Another non-traditional student, Gavin Molinar of Johnstown, Colorado, finds value in the services on campus.

"CSC has many great services and programs that have been very helpful to me. I have taken advantage of the counseling services that are offered, working out at the NPAC, as well as spending time in the Student Center. I have also joined the cheer team as an athlete."

CSC’s flexible programs are designed to fit busy students’ schedules and help them advance their careers. With dedicated faculty and strong student support, even online students can feel connected.