NEBRASKA -- More than $3 million of grant funding was awarded to 95 businesses throughout Nebraska.

A collaboration between the Aksarben Foundation and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, InternNE, Powered by Aksarben, was launched in October 2023.

This purpose was to create opportunities for college graduates, high school students, and nontraditional learners, in order to "strengthen Nebraska's workforce and retain young talent in the state."

InternNE addresses the issue of college-educated people leaving Nebraska for opportunities elsewhere. The "brain drain" phenomenon has seen a more than fourfold increase over the last decade, posing a "significant challenge to the state's economic growth and future prosperity." Nebraska's brain drain is reportedly among the highest in the nation, with only North Dakota and New York experiencing greater losses by percentage.

The program, under Gov. Jim Pillen, received a two-year grant totaling $20 million. Applications for the first grant cycle opened on Oct. 1, 2023, and closed on Nov. 30, 2023. There were 95 business applications awarded, totaling $3,373,500 in grant funding. This amounts to 614 internship opportunities throughout 18 communities across the state.

Sandra Reding, President of the Aksarben Foundation, talked about the importance of workforce development and the competition for young, tech-savvy talent, stating, "The competition across the country for talent is fierce. We need to do all we can to connect our talent to the opportunities that exist in Nebraska.”

The program is meant to offer a "compelling narrative about the careers and lifestyles available within the state."

“Across rural and urban Nebraska, we need to invest in creating a strong and vibrant middle class,” Pillen said. “InternNE will ensure kids have the skills and training that will allow them to have great careers, right here in our state.”

“Survey data confirms that a majority of Nebraska’s youth want to live in a community similar to where they grew up,” said K.C. Belitz, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “Yet more than half of students cite the inability to find a career opportunity as the top reason they would move elsewhere. As a state, we must do better at connecting students to a job in their hometown. Aksarben is leading the way forward. Through Intern Nebraska, they’re equipping businesses to send a clear message to our youth: the job you want exists right here in Nebraska and we want you on our team.”