Project KNEW

The goal of the Knowledge Network for Early Childhood Education Workforce - KNEW (pronounced like canoe!) project is to increase recruitment and retention of rural early childhood educators in Nebraska. The KNEW project will leverage and target resources, reduce duplicative efforts, and develop shared solutions in targeted rural Nebraska communities by (1) enhancing and strengthening collaborative community partnerships, (2) researching social networks and best practices, and (3) providing targeted professional learning and incentives to support recruitment and retention in early care and education programs. Researchers and educators from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) will work closely with our partners from Communities for Kids (C4K) and from the University of Nebraska Extension to create community partnerships and strengthen existing connections across rural Nebraska.

Communities

View a high-res PDF of the Project KNEW Community Map

Project KNEW Communities: Ainsworth, Albion/Boone County, Bridgeport, Buffalo County, Dawson County, Eustis-Elwood, Friend, Holdrege, Keith County, Loup/Garfield Counties, Minden, North Platte, Pierce County, Seward County, Valentine/Cherry County

Upcoming Events

Here are some upcoming events that feature Project KNEW involvement.

2025 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference

September 16-17, 2025
Kearney, NE

Join hundreds of Nebraska’s community leaders to uncover powerful firsthand insights, spark bold ideas, and dive into inspiring success stories from both rural and urban communities.

Learn more