Grow the Good Life - Information for High Schools

What partnership looks like

Grow the Good Life helps Nebraska high schools connect students to career pathways through hands-on, meaningful experiences. Our team can come directly into classrooms or support school-based activities to minimize time students spend out of class. We work with you to co-design opportunities that support your curriculum, your schedule, and your students’ career readiness.

Opportunities for students

  • Career talks and classroom visits
  • Job shadows (single day or short series)
  • Site visits and lab tours (on campus or employer locations)
  • Project-based learning with employer mentors
  • Resume workshops and mock interviews
  • Rural career days and summer camps

Opportunities for educators and sponsors

  • Teacher externships (summer or in-service days)
  • Co-design of pathway projects and rubrics
  • Curriculum alignment and guest speakers

School benefits

  • Real-world relevance and career exposure for grades 9–12
  • Clear pathways into UNK programs and local employment
  • Flexible models that bring opportunities to your school and reduce time out of class

Getting started

  1. Tell us what you need support with, such as mock interviews, classroom presentations, building business curriculum, career fairs, employer panels, or other opportunities that meet your students’ needs.
  2. Designate a school point of contact (admin, teacher, or counselor).
  3. Share dates or general time periods that work best for your school.
  4. We support logistics and communication to help your engagement succeed.

Contact

Mandy Sand
Phone: 308.865.8122
Email: sandmm@unk.edu