Here are FAQs about
Nebraska Network 21
What is Nebraska Network 21?
Nebraska Network 21 (NN21) is a group of people working together to creatively meet
the learning needs of Nebraskans in the 21st century.
This group recognizes that change is constant in our lives
and wants to provide Nebraskans with learning skills and available knowledge
to thrive in the midst of it. Our focus
is on keeping education dynamic, in tune with the times, and available to Nebraskans.
Why change?
Education is vital in all our lives. NN21 is working to help
education in Nebraska thrive in the changes the years ahead
will bring. We want to provide leadership in managing and directing change, rather
than passively react to change.
Organizations that cling to outmoded priorities and practices
often falter in times of dynamic change. Sometimes
they disappear. Those that learn, modify, and adapt are more
likely to survive.
NN21 wants to help higher education in Nebraska not
only survive, but thrive in the changes the years ahead will
bring.
How did NN21 come into being?
In 1994 the W.K. Kellogg Foundation offered
grants to stimulate long-term planning, innovative thinking, and new
partnerships among higher education, business, and communities.
Nebraska is one of thirteen land-grant initiatives
Kellogg funded across the country, with the original intent of solving
problems of world hunger by expanding food systems
education. Since then, Kellogg envisions further-reaching change
in the nation's land-grant universities.
Is the Kellogg Commission connected to NN21?
Yes. The W. K. Kellogg Foundation established a commission
of 25 land-grant university presidents and chancellors.
This commission supports the change efforts and recommendations being made
in NN21 and in other higher-education change initiatives funded
by Kellogg across the United States. Kellogg
sees change occurring at a number of levels within our institutions.
What is NN21's purpose?
NN21's purpose in a nutshell is too bring together education
and communities to find creative ways to meet the learning
needs of Nebraskans in the year 2020.
Where do you obtain your funding?
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has funded the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
in Phase II with $1.5 million until March 2001.
Who's involved in NN21?
NN21 focuses on building partnerships to provide our children
and grandchildren a better life because of the work we do now.
Participants are:
- From education
- University of Nebraska
- Community colleges
- State colleges
- K-12 schools
- From communities
- Business and industry
- Public and private agencies
- Government
- Foundations
- Citizens
What is the vision for 2020?
NN21 builds its vision on discussions that took place across
Nebraska in 1994-95. More than 800 Nebraskans talked about
their preferred futures, and this vision is what drives NN21
activities.
In the year 2020
Nebraskans see themselves as lifelong learners who are part of a network of
communities of learning. These learners will have access
to affordable educational opportunities no matter where they live.
How will NN21 bring about change?
NN21 has formed action teams,
demonstration projects, and
regional teams to bring
about change by creating opportunities for dialogue,
experimentation, and action. For example, Mead public Schools are implementing
a biotechnology program with
the help of UNL faculty, in order to improve science education for students.
Other school districts are watching these efforts with an eye toward
replicating this model program.
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