Deborah A. Frison, Deputy Commissioner School Improvement and Support | Nebraska Department of Education
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) has granted $1.6 million to Midland University as part of the ongoing Nebraska “Grow Your Own” Teacher Apprenticeship Competitive Sub-Grant Opportunity. This funding is derived from the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) 2 initiative and is aimed at developing new educational pathways and creating partnerships with over 15 school districts in Nebraska.
Midland University will enable up to 57 selected candidates to pursue a two-year bachelor's degree at no cost while gaining practical experience through paid, on-the-job training. Dr. Cammy Romanuck Murphy, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Strategic Partnerships, explained the university's broader commitment: "Midland University’s commitment extends beyond academic preparation, with a focus on fostering a collaborative ecosystem between NDE, the university, school districts, apprentices, and mentor teachers. This approach ensures that the apprenticeship program is responsive to the unique needs of each district and provides ongoing support for both apprentices and mentors.”
This initiative continues the momentum from the first funding round, which was supported by the U.S. Department of Labor and a $1 million allocation from the state legislature. That phase enabled eight Nebraska institutions to train over 100 teacher apprentices in more than 30 school systems, addressing the state's teacher shortage and expanding training opportunities.
The Grow Your Own Grant Program is designed to facilitate collaboration between educator preparation programs and schools, offering comprehensive coverage for tuition, textbooks, and fees. This removes financial obstacles for prospective educators and bolsters the number of qualified teachers within the state.
The NDE anticipates launching a third round of funding by the fall of 2025.
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