NPPD Teams With Northeast to Encourage Latino Higher Education

NORFOLK - Nebraska Public Power District is trying to break the barriers to diversifying Nebraska’s workforce. NPPD teamed with Northeast Community College Friday to host a youth Latino Summit. Students from Norfolk and Madison High School were invited to tour the campus and hear speakers talk about the challenges various Latino students face after high school. NPPD officials say getting Latino students invested in higher education carries positives for the entire state. “We believe getting to the students now to encourage them to continue their education provides a pipeline not only to our industry but to all the industries in the state of Nebraska,” said NPPD retail general manager Tim Arlt. The event brought speakers representing the Latino community from all over Nebraska, as a way to tell students that they aren’t alone. “To make sure that they know that there are people out there to help them and continue to guide them in their educational dreams and aspirations,” Arlt said. Students said during the event that they feel a number of barriers to advancing their education, whether it’s a lack of money, a lack of grades or a fear of a lack of campus diversity. Speakers said that Latino students shouldn’t be afraid to branch out, even if it means being the first in their family or community to seek out a college education. “I’m not knocking getting your diploma, that’s huge,” said Ruben Cano, principal at Omaha South Magnet School, which has an 80% Latino population. “Graduating from high school is great. I was the first one in my family to get a high school diploma. But don’t let be your defining moment. Don’t let that be the last time you walk across a stage.” NPPD hosted a similar event on Thursday on the campus of Central Community College in Columbus.