Nominations are now open for the inaugural Nebraska Emerging Talent Awards (NETA), led by the Aksarben Foundation in collaboration with Nebraska’s six community colleges. The awards recognize outstanding apprentices, interns, mentors, and employers who are strengthening Nebraska’s workforce and creating meaningful career pathways across the state.
Launching in 2026, NETA will celebrate emerging talent and the programs that support them through a series of six regional events, ensuring that communities across Nebraska have the opportunity to recognize local success stories. Each region will present six award categories, totaling 36 awards statewide. The initiative highlights the critical role of internships and apprenticeships in building strong talent pipelines, supporting businesses, and driving long-term economic growth.
“There is strong work happening across Nebraska that does not always receive the recognition it deserves,” said Shonna Dorsey, Executive Director of the Nebraska Tech Collaborative and Aksarben Scholarships and Internships. “The Nebraska Emerging Talent Awards are designed to elevate those efforts. By highlighting what is working, we create greater opportunities to scale impact and strengthen talent development across the state.”
“Nebraska’s future depends on our ability to grow and retain talent,” said Sandra Reding, President of the Aksarben Foundation. “The Nebraska Emerging Talent Awards are designed to elevate the individuals and organizations who are making that happen every day.”
“Investing in emerging talent is critical to the long-term strength of Nebraska’s workforce and communities,” said Allen Frederickson, Aksarben Governor and Chair of the Scholarships and Internships Committee, and Founder and CEO of Signature Performance. “Across the state, employers, educators, and partners are creating meaningful opportunities for students and early-career professionals. The Nebraska Emerging Talent Awards highlight those efforts and recognize the individuals and organizations driving impact in every region, while encouraging more employers to expand internships and apprenticeships statewide.”
Nominations opened April 20 and will be accepted through June 30, 2026.
Award categories, presented in each region, include:
- Apprentice of the Year — Recognizes an outstanding apprentice demonstrating leadership, growth, and impact
- Apprenticeship Mentor — Honors an individual providing exceptional mentorship and guidance to apprentices
- Apprenticeship Organization — Recognizes an employer or organization leading successful apprenticeship programs
- Returning Intern — Celebrates an intern who has completed one or more internships with the same employer and continues to grow within the organization
- Internship Mentor — Honors a professional who provides exceptional mentorship to interns
- Internship Organization — Recognizes employers who demonstrate excellence in developing internship experiences
Winners will be recognized at regional events hosted across Nebraska:
- Metro (Metropolitan Community College)
September 8, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fort Omaha Campus, Swanson Conference Center, Omaha, NE
- Southeast (Southeast Community College)
September 23, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Lincoln Campus Center, Lincoln, NE
- Mid-Plains (Mid-Plains Community College)
October 5, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Northeast (Northeast Community College)
October 15, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Central (Central Community College)
November 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Western (Western Nebraska Community College)
November 10, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Gering Civic Center, Gering, NE
Rather than hosting a single statewide event, NETA brings recognition directly to each region, strengthening connections between students, educators, and employers while celebrating the unique contributions of communities across Nebraska.
By elevating these success stories, NETA reinforces the importance of work-based learning opportunities and highlights the partnerships that are shaping Nebraska’s next generation of skilled professionals.
For more information about nominations, event details, and sponsorship opportunities, visit aksarben.org/neta.
