Central Nebraska Initiative

Plans are underway in Grand Island for internships in a wide range of occupations, such as welding, accounting, engineering, trades and health professions.

In addition, Maser is working closely with CHI Health and the Grand Island Public Schools toward expanding the Academy of Medical Sciences. This unique program will offer four years of hand-on experience at CHI Health St. Francis hospital in Grand Island for students at Grand Island High School. Aksarben is helping facilitate this program through fundraising and the leadership of the Central Nebraska Committee, led by Maser.

This innovative program, which will serve over 500 high school students, will produce multiple results, including students who will graduate with the Certified Nursing Assis- tant designation, enabling them to work immediately in senior care centers and hospitals. It also prepares students to pursue two-year or four-year degrees in the medical field, including nursing, medical school, nurse anesthetists and other medical fields where there is a clear shortage of workers.

“We have overwhelming support in the business community for an internship program in the summer and the school year,” he said. “They want to get this going right away and build from there.”

“We need to figure a way to get people to Central Nebraska, period.” Matt Maser, Grand Island attorney and Aksarben Councillor.