The HDR Foundation contributed $38,838 to the AIM Institute (aiminstitute.org) for tech equipment to serve over 2,500 low-income and first-generation students in Central and Western Nebraska. The funding will be used to purchase computers, conferencing equipment and conference room improvements to virtually serve these residents with personalized college prep and financial aid assistance, which are currently out of reach for these geographically isolated communities.
Many college-bound first-generation and low-income students in rural Nebraska are at risk for accumulating unsustainable debt and failure to achieve the education necessary for high-wage, high-demand, high-skill (H3) technology careers. At the same time, the number of STEM jobs in Nebraska increased by 8.11% from 2017-2022, without a concomitant growth in the state’s tech workforce. However, there are not enough people to fill those jobs.
“The generous contribution from the HDR Foundation will allow AIM to help close the tech talent gap in Nebraska through providing virtual college admissions advisory services to Nebraskans, regardless of location or income status,” said Renee Franklin, President and CEO of AIM. “We are committed to helping break barriers so individuals can access postsecondary education that could lead to a career in technology. With heartfelt gratitude, we are thankful to the HDR Foundation and the HDR employees for their invaluable support in helping to transform lives through technology.”
For more information about AIM Institute, please visit aiminstitute.org, call (402) 979-8324 or email info@aiminstitute.org.