Nebraska Community Foundation Survey Finds that Students Value Safety and Security

Eight months after starting work with the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research to create the Nebraska Youth Survey, the Nebraska Community Foundation released findings that explore young people’s perceptions and perspectives of their Nebraska hometowns. At the core, they found that Nebraska youth today place high value on safety, security, good schools, and family connections rather than entertainment, shopping, and recreational amenities when identifying a place to call home. More than 1,000 high-school students responded to the online survey, which was administered in Axtell, McCook, Columbus, Diller, Shickley, Ainsworth, Stuart, and Norfolk between January and May.

“The qualities young Nebraskans most value in a community—low crime rate, good schools, proximity to family—are characteristics Nebraska is already offering in spades,” said NCF President and CEO Jeff Yost. “Adults and local institutions should strive to make those qualities apparent by engaging our youth and offering them the opportunity to make their hometowns their own.”

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a greater Nebraska. To see the full report from the Nebraska Youth Survey, email kbelitz@nebcommfound.org. To learn more about organization, visit www.nebcommfound.org or call (402) 323-7330.