Governor Pete Ricketts announced Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., USA; CLAAS Omaha; and Nucor Detailing Center as the recipients of the Developing Youth Talent Initiative grants for 2020. Launched by the Governor in 2015, DYTI introduces middle school students to careers in industries such as manufacturing, information technology, engineering, and healthcare. DYTI is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
“To compete and grow, we must connect the next generation of Nebraskans with the opportunities they need to succeed,” said Gov. Ricketts. “By forging partnerships between schools and local employers, DYTI encourages youth to explore high-demand career paths where talent is needed and great jobs are plentiful. We appreciate this year’s grant recipients for their commitment to our youth and our state.”
Each year, DED awards $250,000 in DYTI grants to for-profit, Nebraska-based companies in partnership with area school districts. Together, these consortiums implement programs to inform, engage, and inspire seventh- and eighth-grade students to explore careers in high demand throughout Nebraska.
Receiving this year’s largest DYTI grant of $117,300, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. is the program’s first applicant/recipient from Lincoln. The company expects to impact up to 9,000 students across 12 Lincoln schools through its grant. Kawasaki’s DYTI program will feature hands-on activities and instructional videos, virtual field trips, and opportunities for teachers to learn onsite at its facilities. Kawasaki is tailoring its DYTI program to focus on careers in manufacturing and engineering.
CLAAS Omaha, in partnership with Metro Community College and other Omaha-area manufacturers, will receive a DYTI grant of $92,300. CLAAS will create a formal pathway to careers in manufacturing for 315 students enrolled in a north Omaha afterschool program. The program, managed by Partnership 4 Kids, takes place at five schools and primarily hosts low-income students and students of color.
Now a two-time DYTI recipient, Nucor Detailing Center in Norfolk will receive $40,400 to create a new curriculum on additive manufacturing—also known as 3D printing. The company will purchase 3D printers to be used in five area schools, and by any interested school in the surrounding Educational Service Units, to introduce students to cutting-edge design and manufacturing processes. The program is slated to reach up to 2,000 students across 15 schools.
Since its inception, DYTI grants have impacted an estimated 12,000 students across 43 Nebraska school districts. Today’s awards will nearly double that total, impacting around 11,300 additional students in 17 school districts.