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KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney is launching a new scholarship program for students looking to pursue careers in government and administrative roles across the state.
The Nebraska Good Life Opportunities program, in partnership with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is designed for freshman students who are focused on public service and who want to pursue professional careers in local and state government and other public sector roles. Participants will be prepared for a variety of high-demand, high-paying positions, including city managers, urban and regional planners, nonprofit administrators, public policy managers and economic development personnel.
Chuck Loring
“We are very excited about this new partnership between UNK and UNO. Over the years, many UNK graduates have completed the Master of Public Administration program at UNO and gone on to achieve great things,” said Chuck Loring, a UNK political science professor who will direct the program.
“Our goal here is to address the critical shortage of people working in local, city and state government and other public sector professional roles across Nebraska. This collaboration allows students to receive a top-notch undergraduate education at UNK with small class sizes, rigorous coursework and numerous experiential learning and professional development opportunities. Students then complete their MPA at UNO, which is ranked as one of the best programs in the country. We are confident this program will have a significant impact and benefit the state of Nebraska in the years to come.”
The Nebraska Good Life Opportunities program covers full tuition (up to 120 credits) for in-state students enrolled at UNK. Participants receive one-on-one mentoring from UNK deans as well as professional development and experiential learning opportunities, including internships, paid research, participation in a student chapter of the International City-County Management Association (ICMA), regular interactions with city, county and state officials, and visits to the UNO School of Public Administration (where they meet with faculty, staff and students).
The program includes two key field study experiences: a week-long trip to Washington, DC to learn about federal policymaking, and a week-long trip to the southern U.S. to study contemporary civil rights issues.
“We know that students truly value and are always seeking learning experiences outside of the classroom. These experiences can be life-changing,” Rowling said. “They also help prepare students for future success in graduate school and beyond. Students who participate in the program are given priority access to internships, paid research and field study courses, and international experiences. Ultimately, students who complete the program are well-trained and well-prepared to excel once they enter the workforce.”
The Nebraska Good Life Opportunities Program utilizes a curriculum specifically designed for future public sector leaders and provides a foundational foundation for UNO’s Master of Public Administration program. After completing their undergraduate education at UNK, participants are guaranteed admission to UNO’s Master of Public Administration program as long as they maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. They also receive priority access to UNO scholarships and graduate assistantships.
To be eligible for the Good Life Opportunities program, students must be Nebraska residents and have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The application deadline for the program’s first class is February 1, 2025. Interested students will need to write two essays and submit two letters of recommendation. Finalists will be invited to an on-campus interview.
For more information and to apply, visit go.unk.edu/goodlife or contact Rowling at rowlingcm@unk.edu or 308-865-8171.
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