The following are UNL Divisions and Projects that seek to partner with or have resources for Nebraska Communities. See where these groups are impacting Nebraska in our Engagement and Outreach Map. If you have suggestions or edits please contact Jentry Barrett at jbarrett3@unl.edu.
Community Development and Planning
Community and Regional Planning
College of Architecture
The Community and Regional Planning program engages student teams in community service projects aligned with the university’s land grant missions. These projects encompass various areas, including land use planning, economic and housing planning, as well as environmental and hazard mitigation planning. Through these initiatives, tangible benefits can be directly delivered to communities across Nebraska.
Community Wildfire Protection Plans
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
A listing of community wildfire protection plans from across Nebraska.
Engineers Without Borders
College of Engineering
Engineers Without Borders is an international non-profit organization that aims to build a better world through engineering projects that empower communities globally to meet their basic human needs and equip leaders to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. It is an organization that supports community-driven development programs worldwide through the design and implementation of environmentally sustainable, equitable, and economic engineering projects. While advancing the quality of life in these communities, EWB-USA works to develop globally aware and personally responsible engineers and students. Through projects both here in Nebraska and abroad, EWB-NU empowers students to use their engineering skills to help others.
Fabrication and Construction Team (FACT)
College of Architecture
FACT is a collaborative student designbuld studio at UNL that engages design, fabrication, and construction projects with cultural and non-profit clients. FACT’s primary mission is to provide educational opportunities for design students and partners who play a role in this mission. Students are hardworking and creative, but they are not yet professionals. The benefits to the student and the partner organization are mutual.
First Impressions for Communities
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The First Impressions program offers a tailor-made evaluation of how well your community shines online for tourists and travelers. From your online presence to the brick-and-mortar attractions, the program highlights how accessible and appealing your amenities are to tourists or newcomers to the area. Extension educators then collaborate with your community to explore how you can amplify your strengths, ensuring your community, county, or region leaves a lasting and inviting first impression on visitors.
Housing Justice Clinic
College of Law
As part of the Housing Justice Program, students in the Housing Justice Clinic will gain experience resolving landlord-tenant issues. Students will regularly appear in court representing individuals and families facing eviction.
Marketing Hometown America
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Marketing Hometown America brings together Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s People Attraction team and local steering committees for dynamic, collaborative conversations. Residents focus on what makes their community stand out and how they can enhance those assets to attract tourists and new residents. Through these discussions, steering committees set clear goals and create action plans to drive community-wide growth and make their hometown shine.
Math in the City Course
College of Arts and Sciences
Math in the City (MATH 435) is an interdisciplinary, hands-on course in which students utilize mathematical modeling to understand current social issues of local and national interest. Participants collaborate with local organizations that provide data and act as consultants. The learning and discovery process connects academia and industry. Unlike other university-industry partnerships, the design of the projects and the choice of problems is primarily student- oriented, within a timely, "front page news" topic provided by the instructor.
Native American Coalition
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The UNL Tribal Extension Office sponsors the Native American Coalition (NAC) which builds relationships and partnerships between the Nebraska Extension and Native American communities and organizations. The work of NAC is to help build bridges between tribal and non-tribal communities, to facilitate community development and leadership in Native communities and to bring Native American traditional worldviews, languages, cultures and histories to the University of Nebraska and non-tribal communities.
Nebraska Cooperative Development Center
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center is Nebraska's source for cooperative-based business development. We believe that the cooperative business model has the power to increase the quality of life and economic vitality of rural Nebraska. Since 1999, NCDC has provided education, training and technical assistance to groups interested in working together to meet their needs and reach their goals.
Nebraska Council on Economic Education
College of Business
Throughout five centers for economic education, the council provides resources for professional development, graduate education, workshops, classroom activities, and academic competitions for teachers and students in K-12 and post-secondary institutions. Contact us if you need additional information, would like to sponsor an event, or would like to help support the council and our mission.
Nebraska Rural Poll
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The longest-running poll of rural life in the United States, the Nebraska Rural Poll is an annual survey conducted by Nebraska Extension and its community development division, Rural Prosperity Nebraska.
Public Participation and Engagement Digital Badge
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
P2E is a self-directed course that is available on your time and wherever it's convenient for you. You should be able to complete each module in 45 - 60 minutes, including assignments.
Red Carpet Service for Communities
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The Red Carpet Service program from Nebraska Extension blends traditional customer service with the specific needs of travelers and tourists in your area. This engaging and practical 2.5-hour session is designed for staff and management at local attractions, convenience stores, restaurants, retail shops, lodging venues, and any business that interacts with visitors. Participants learn about the economic benefits of tourism and their crucial role in creating a positive, welcoming first impression for all community members. It’s a fun way to boost local hospitality and make a lasting impact!
Urban Pests
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Pests can affect anyone—whether they're in your home, affecting your pets, or damaging structures. Using integrated approaches to manage pests like bed bugs, ticks, cockroaches, termites, and head lice helps protect your health, your pets, and your home.