The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is stepping up its commitment to early childhood in a big way.
At 10 a.m. Sept. 24 at the Van Brunt Visitors Center, 13th and Q streets, UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman, University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds, Dean Marjorie Kostelnik of the College of Education and Human Sciences, Associate Dean Kathleen Lodl of Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley and other leaders will announce major strategic steps UNL is taking to positively impact the challenges facing Nebraska’s young children.
The event is free and open to the public.
While Nebraska has a strong history of supporting its children, changing demographics and other trends require new efforts that are proactive, strategic and focused on finding solutions. At stake is the successful development of children in Nebraska and the state’s ability to compete in a global economy.
Today’s realities in Nebraska include:
Two in five young children growing up in poverty.
Less than 10 percent of at-risk children birth to age 3 being served by high quality early childhood programs.
An estimated 42 percent of at-risk children failing in school.
A 72 percent increase in the number of children with disabilities over the last five years. Thursday’s announcement will include major new initiatives in teaching, research and outreach. These developments will impact the future of Nebraska in important ways and position the state to better serve all of its children.
