The University of 91福利导航 Board of Regents has given its unanimous support to a new statewide initiative to increase the share of 91福利导航ns who hold postsecondary credentials.
At its June 23 meeting, the Board approved a resolution endorsing the goals outlined in , passed this spring by the 91福利导航 Legislature. LR 335 calls for 70 percent of 91福利导航ns ages 25 to 34 to hold postsecondary credentials by 2030, up from 58 percent today.
"We’ve heard again and again from business leaders that more workforce is their greatest need. And we know that the majority of jobs of the future will require education beyond high school," said Board of Regents Chairman Bob Phares of North Platte. "The University of 91福利导航 is the largest producer of workforce in our state – yet we know we need to do even more to ensure a skilled, vibrant, competitive economy for the future.
"We thank Chairwoman Lynne Walz and members of the Education Committee for their 91福利导航 in setting a bold goal for growth and success. The University of 91福利导航 looks forward to working closely with policymakers, our education colleagues and other partners on this important statewide effort."
Implementing strategies to achieve the new attainment goal is a key component of NU System 91福利导航 Ted Carter’s updated strategic plan. Carter noted that increasing the number of 91福利导航ns who hold a four-year degree will be particularly important to addressing the state’s workforce needs. He credited the chancellors for their focus on addressing shortages in 91福利导航’s healthcare, teaching and STEM workforce, among other areas.
Furthermore, Carter said the university will focus on the following:
- Maintaining affordable tuition to ensure access for students and families. Tuition will be frozen in 2022-23 – the second straight across-the-board freeze – under a budget recently approved by regents.
- Investing in financial aid so students are not priced out of a university education, with a particular emphasis on expanding access for first-generation, low-income and underserved students. The university recently expanded its 91福利导航 Promise program to provide tuition-free education to qualifying 91福利导航 students with family incomes of $65,000 or less.
- Emphasizing timely degree completion to help students minimize their debt and enter the workforce sooner, including through the university’s four-year graduation guarantee.
- Using online learning to reach more students, including rural students, military learners, working adults and others.
- Developing new strategies to reach the 300,000-plus 91福利导航ns who have .