Education: Building Foundations for Lifelong Success
Education is more than just academics — it’s a lifelong process that empowers people to grow, adapt, and succeed. At Cornhusker United Way, we believe everyone deserves access to quality education, from early childhood through adulthood. Strong educational systems create stronger communities.
Education includes:
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Early childhood learning
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K-12 academic success
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Post-secondary education
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Career training and certification
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Lifelong skill development
Why Is Education Important?
A solid education builds a foundation for:
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Better jobs and income
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Stronger health and mental well-being
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Increased civic participation
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Safer, more connected communities
Education doesn’t just improve individual lives — it uplifts entire families and neighborhoods.
Key Statistics
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Children who aren’t reading proficiently by 3rd grade are 4x more likely to drop out of high school.
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Only about 70% of Nebraska 4th graders are reading at or above grade level.
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Post-secondary degree holders earn nearly $1 million more over a lifetime than those without a high school diploma.
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60% of Nebraska jobs require some form of post-secondary education, yet many adults don’t have access to training or support.
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Adults without a high school diploma are twice as likely to live in poverty.
Challenges Facing Education Today
In Southeast Nebraska and across the country, many face barriers to quality education:
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Limited early learning opportunities in rural and underserved areas
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Gaps in school funding, technology, and enrichment resources
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Students facing hunger, housing instability, or trauma
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Adults juggling jobs and family while trying to upskill or return to school
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Rising tuition and certification costs
These challenges hurt not only individual learners but our workforce, economy, and community well-being.
The Importance of Adult Education
Education doesn’t stop at graduation. Adults benefit immensely from continuing education through:
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College degrees and trade schools
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Professional certifications
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Job training or apprenticeships
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Online courses and digital literacy programs
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GED or ESL programs
Why It Matters:
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Adults with more education are more likely to find stable employment and earn higher wages.
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Continuing education improves confidence, leadership, and mental health.
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When adults value and pursue learning, they model success for their children — creating a cycle of empowerment.
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Lifelong learning keeps our workforce adaptable, innovative, and competitive.
When adults learn, everyone benefits — families grow stronger, businesses thrive, and communities become more resilient.
What You Can Do as an Individual
You can help strengthen education in Southeast Nebraska by:
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Volunteering with literacy programs or after-school activities
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Mentoring a student or adult learner
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Donating school supplies, books, or funding
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Encouraging adults to pursue GEDs, college, or training
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Supporting policies that expand access to early childhood and adult education
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Speaking up for equitable education funding in your local schools
Your voice and actions help create a culture that values and supports learning at every age.
How Cornhusker United Way Is Helping
Cornhusker United Way is dedicated to breaking down barriers and expanding educational opportunities through:
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Investments in early childhood and reading readiness programs
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Support for after-school tutoring and mentoring in rural communities
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Collaboration with workforce & job training programs through local agencies
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Connecting families with wraparound services so children and adults can focus on learning
We believe education is the pathway to opportunity, and we’re committed to helping learners at every stage of life.