Governor introduces Nebraska mentoring initiative

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - Gov. Jim Pillen announced a “major mentoring initiative” alongside former Huskers Coach Tom Osborne at a noon news conference on Monday.

Declaring February “Nebraska Mentoring Month,” the governor said he’s adding $5 million to his annual budget to provide competitive grants that encourage mentorships in Nebraska schools. Guidelines for the program and its applications are still being developed, according to a follow-up release, the intent is award those grants to “programs in Nebraska with established histories.”

In addition, the state will encourage its employee to participate in mentorship programs by allowing them to modify work schedules to accommodate weekly volunteerism.

“We know the hope that mentoring gives to kids. There is nothing as rewarding as being a mentor to a young person,” Pillen said. “We are excited about the opportunity for the Legislature to pass a $5 million mentorship grant program to quickly expand mentoring across the state. This program would help lift our kids up from any set of circumstances.”

Multiple state lawmakers and representatives from the following mentoring programs across the state were also at Monday’s announcement: Mentor Nebraska, 100 Black Men of Omaha, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lincoln, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, International Council for Refugees & Immigrants, Kids Can Community Center, Partnership 4 Kids, TeamMates, and The Bloc.

Watch the full announcement:

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