NORFOLK, Neb.- The Future of Education starts early for the University of Nebraska System.

Thursday the UN System held a “Future of Education” round table at the Lifelong Learning Center at Northeast Community College.

The meeting focused on the work the system can do to expand learning for students in Northeast Nebraska.

Assistant Dean of UNMC’s College of Nursing Northern Division and Superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools both spoke at Thursdays event, bringing to light the need for early learning.

“Some of the big partnerships that are happening now, would be our early health career academy opportunities for high school students,” said Dr. Angela Johnson, Assistant Dean, UMNC College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk.

“Though their workplace learning experience, their working in HVAC or plumbing,” Jake Luhr, Superintendent, Battle Creek Public Schools said. “And through that workplace learning experience have learned or gotten on the payroll.”

The speakers were encouraging others to bring more education and workplace based learning to the Northeast Nebraska region.

Other topics covered in the round table included an update from Dr. Jeffery Gold on the University of Nebraska, the partnerships within the program, and the need for the growing together program with Wayne State College.

1 of every 7 Nebraskans are educated by the UN system providing over 11,000 graduates to the workforce annually.