How can a community college serve students who cannot always come to campus? Dr. Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College, and former president of the NSWERS Executive Council, joins NSWERS Executive Director Matt Hastings to discuss the many paths students take through higher education and into work in rural Nebraska. Barrett shares examples of apprenticeships, employer partnerships, and dual enrollment, and explains how Northeast Community College uses data to strengthen student support. They also discuss how connected education and workforce information can help leaders see whether their investments are making a difference for students and communities.

This episode was recorded in the spring of 2025.

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What does student success look like after graduation? Nebraska Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher joins NSWERS Executive Director Matt Hastings to discuss why schools need a clearer view of students’ paths through college, training, and work. Drawing on his years as a classroom teacher, Maher explains how early literacy, critical thinking, and career exploration help prepare students for whatever comes next. They also discuss how connected education and workforce data can help Nebraska leaders move beyond snapshots of performance and make better decisions for students and communities.

Learn more about the NSWERS data products mentioned in this episode:
Impact of Chronic Absenteeism on Academic Outcomes in Nebraska Brief
Early Reading Proficiency in Nebraska Brief

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