Through a Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth program, a record number of interns received meaningful work-based learning experiences to prepare them for successful futures and strengthen rural communities.

Local businesses across the 26 counties served by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation plus two additional counties in Nex-Gen’s territory served as host sites for 252 summer interns, providing meaningful work experiences while also benefiting from the contributions of motivated, work-ready students in paid internships.

Grant funding allowed Nex-Generation to significantly expand programming across four core areas in 2025. Sixty-one additional interns were placed. In addition, $500 scholarships were awarded to 136 work study participants.

Funding also ensured that school districts had access to financial literacy and career readiness curriculum that many would not otherwise be able to provide. It supported the delivery of Young AmeriTowne® of Kansas curriculum to 21 schools, reaching about 840 students, and the presentation of Entrepreneurship Awards in five school districts, serving about 175 students. The Life$kills program was utilized in 12 schools.