2023 Developing Youth Talent Initiative

The Nebraska Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) creates collaboration between Nebraska businesses and public schools, connecting young Nebraskans to learning opportunities in the workforce that can play an important role in their decision to build their careers in our state. The intent of DYTI is to support an industry-defined approach to develop a youth talent pipeline for our state’s emerging STEM workforce, especially in Manufacturing, IT, Healthcare and Engineering occupations. Grant recipients will partner with schools to engage 7th and 8th grade students in participation of hands-on career exploration and relevant workplace-learning opportunities. Exposing this next generation of leaders to the advanced skills and knowledge required for STEM occupations encourages an expanding workforce to help Grow Nebraska.

Program Guidelines: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/dyti/ The DYTI site includes additional information including: • Program Guidelines • FAQ's • Press Releases • Scoring Guide • Past Project Summaries

Rose Baker, Talent Development Leader Nebraska Department of Economic Development Direct Line: 402-471-1559 Work Cell: 402-314-4819 Email: rose.baker@nebraska.gov Additional Information: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/dyti/

A: Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants are for-profit Nebraska businesses, consortiums of businesses in any industry, or non-profit hospitals. . Non-profit businesses can be part of a business consortium. Consortiums must identify the lead business applicant who will serve as the primary contact for the application and grant recipient. State and federal government entities, governmental subdivisions (including counties, cities, villages, school districts, metropolitan utilities districts, or any other subdivision of the state, which receive revenue raised by taxation), and public and private colleges and universities are not eligible to receive a DYTI grant. The business must be registered with the Nebraska Secretary of State. Eligible businesses, or consortium of businesses, must partner with local public schools to create a sustainable project plan. Letters of support from all entities participating in the application and identification of all in-kind match is also requested within the application. B: Eligible Projects Projects must facilitate 7th and 8th grade student participation in hands-on STEM career exploration and exposure to STEM skills in order to increase interest and awareness of STEM occupations among area students. Priority may be given to projects with a focus on IT, manufacturing, healthcare and engineering skills. Eligible projects may be structured in a variety of ways, including (but not limited to) activities such as: • Developing new classroom curriculum • Purchasing equipment for a classroom or lab • Creating a mobile trailer • Mentoring • Planning new events • Training teachers and company staff • Conducting industry tours • Creating a makerspace • Providing project competitions and awards • Bringing in guest speakers

Resources: General and Program specific Amplifund user guides and videos can be found at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/amplifund/. Statewide Relay System: Individuals, who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TTY, may contact the Department through the Statewide Relay System by calling (800) 833-7352 (TTY) or (800) 833-0920 (voice). The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505 or (402) 471-3111.