Across the NCF network, strong relationships, active civic engagement, and a deep love of place are already helping make Nebraska hometowns communities of choice. When these assets are paired with the flexible payout of an unrestricted endowment, they create a powerful opportunity centered around our greatest local asset: our young people.
What is Learn & Return?
NCF is excited to partner with community-based affiliated funds on Learn & Return, a powerful new initiative designed to help local students discover their communities with an asset-based lens and explore future opportunities for themselves and their hometowns.
Learn & Return is a 10-lesson curriculum designed to cover
- Relationship building and topic selection
- Asset-Based Community Development
- Data Collection and Interpretation
- Making the Invisible Visible
- Reflections on Power Systems
- Sharing and Action
Participants will move through a local topic of their choosing to investigate, interpret, tell a story, and take action.
Who is it for?
- NCF Community-Based Affiliated Funds (CBAFs) looking to build upon existing relationships with local students and establish new relationships. This may include community looking to start a Youth Action Committee (YAC) or with an established YAC group exploring their next opportunity.
- NCF’s Learn & Return initiative is for all students, but places a priority focus on empowering students who may not yet have a clear path to college.
- The curriculum is for 7th-12th grade students.
- The program will be co-facilitated by at least two local champions with support from NCF staff.
What is required of the CBAF?
- Open invitation to any youth interested in the program. The goal of this initiative is to bring more people to the center, particularly those who may not regularly have a seat at the table.
- Identify at least two adults to serve as the local champions for the program, to be supported by NCF staff. Local champions will serve as the main point of contact for youth participants and will receive a stipend for their efforts.
- Commit to fund the program champion stipends, supplies, snacks, etc. up to $7,500, to be matched 1:1 by NCF up to $15,000.
- Collaborate with local schools to invite student participants, find meeting space and time, and maintain a trusting relationship.
What is provided by NCF?
- Complete 10-lesson curriculum
- NCF staff support for program design and implementation
- 1:1 match up to $7,500 for a total of $15,000 for champion stipend, supplies, snacks, etc.
- Support for future opportunities that may arise as a result of the program
Who do I contact if I want to learn more?
Chloe Carlson | ccarlson@nebcommfound.org | 402.323.7326
Becky Boesen | bboesen@nebcommfound.org | 402.323.7347