Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons^™

Nebraska Insights 2026, Josie Gatti Schafer, Morgan Vogel, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Mahmuda Akhter Nishu, Meagan E. Paez, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Publications

Nebraska Insights is a collaboration between the Nebraska Chamber Foundation and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research. The series provides a curated set of indicators that benchmark Nebraska’s demographics, economy, and quality of life against all U.S. states. Each webinar explores selected indicators from the guide and offers guidance on how Nebraska stakeholders can effectively interpret and apply the data.

An Examination Of The Impact Of A Six-Week Summer Enrichment Program On Anxiety Among Underrepresented Health Profession Students, Rolando Martinez-Rico

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Healthcare pipeline programs aim to enhance diversity in the health professions by supporting undergraduate students interested in pursuing a healthcare career, particularly those from underrepresented and historically excluded backgrounds. Despite these initiatives, significant disparities persist in the healthcare workforce, amplified by structural racism and systemic barriers to entry. These challenges contribute to heightened anxiety, which can hinder the success of students pursuing healthcare careers.

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) seeks to mitigate these barriers by fostering an inclusive environment where students gain academic skills and mentorship. Among the many challenges underrepresented students face, anxiety is a significant and …

Construction Workforce And Business In Nebraska, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Publications

A skilled and readily available construction workforce is crucial for Nebraska’s growth and vitality. This workforce not only builds and maintains the infrastructure that supports communities but also creates jobs and addresses essential housing and business needs. This brief provides an overview of Nebraska’s construction workforce, highlighting opportunities and challenges to foster a robust labor force for the construction industry.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development - 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative - Northeast Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

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No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development - 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative - Western Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

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No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development - 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative - Metropolitan Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

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No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development – 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative - Mid-Plains Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Nebraska’S Labor Movement Survey, Morgan Vogel

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development – 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative – Western Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development – 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative – Central Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

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No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development – 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative – Northeast Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

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No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development – 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative – Metropolitan Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

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No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development – 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative – Southeast Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Unmc Status And Future Of The Nebraska Healthcare Workforce, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Morgan Vogel, Meagan E. Paez, Amanda Parker

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No abstract provided.

Nebraska’S Labor Movement: Exploring Union Membership, Perceptions, And Efficacy, Morgan Vogel, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Meagan E. Paez

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No abstract provided.

Where Nebraska Workers Live Brief, Josie Gatti Schafer

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No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development - 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative - Mid-Plains Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Publications

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development - 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative - Southeast Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Publications

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Department Of Economic Development - 6 Regions One Nebraska - Regional Development Initiative - Central Region, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell, Michael Lee, Ignacio Ruelas Avila

Publications

No abstract provided.

Do Space Tech Pack Program Evaluation: Improving Digital Access And Equity, Josie Gatti Schafer, Morgan Vogel, Tara Grell, Dan Hayes, Felipe Blanco

Publications

The Do Space Library received funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund from the Federal Communications Commission to conduct the Teck Pack Program in Omaha, Nebraska, between June 30, 2022 to June 29, 2023. As part of the Tech Pack Program, 945 Omaha residents received a computing device and free internet access for one year. Along with this infrastructure, they received computer basics training and technology tutoring. This innovative program directly addresses the challenges experienced by those without access. In the city of Omaha, Nebraska, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey for 2021, over 9,000 households …

: Changing Education And Workforce Demographics Impacting Nebraska, Josie Gatti Schafer

Presentations

Information on changing education and workforce demographics.

Foreign Born Population In Nebraska, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell

Publications

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Community Foundation Greater Nebraska Youth Survey Report, Josie Gatti Schafer

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No abstract provided.

Housing Perceptions In Nebraska For The Statewide Strategic Housing Plan, Josie Gatti Schafer, Morgan Vogel, Tara Grell

Publications

Availability of safe, attainable, and accessible housing for all Nebraskans • Consideration of the wide range and various needs of home occupants (i.e. young adults, renters, workforce/middle-income, family, low-income, seniors and aging population) • Data-driven, strategic, and community-driven approaches that deliver a supply of housing that meets the needs of each community • Various housing programs and tools to make sure all Nebraskans have a stable home, including rental options, rehabilitation, diverse financing options, and education • Preparation and investment for the construction workforce to ensure supply and rehabilitation of homes in every community • Representation for individuals in difficult …

Recruitment And Retention Of Nebraska's Transit Drivers, Morgan Vogel, Tara Grell

Publications

Many industries across Nebraska are experiencing workforce shortages, and the transit industry is no exception. Recently, the University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research partnered with the Nebraska Safety Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney to conduct a survey of transit drivers across Nebraska. This work is supported by an ongoing grant both Centers have with the Nebraska Department of Transportation to enhance rural transit operations throughout Nebraska. This survey was informed by an informal focus group with six transit managers representing the six different mobility management regions of Nebraska in the fall of 2022. …

Driver Recruitment And Retention Survey Report, Morgan Vogel, Tara Grell

Publications

No abstract provided.

Exploring Remote Work In Nebraska, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell

Publications

Nebraska ranks 37th in the country for the rate of persons that report working from home (12%), according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey for 2021. Nebraska’s low rate of those that work from home, compared to other states, is likely a function of the work most people do in Nebraska. In Nebraska, more people work in low wage compared to high wage jobs, according to previous research from UNO CPAR. Low wage jobs, in 2021, are defined as below the median income for all workers, or approximately $41,500. “Low wage” jobs are more likely to …

Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Nebraska Casa Association Programs, Josie Gatti Schafer, Morgan Vogel, Laurel Sariscsany, Tara Grell

Publications

The Nebraska CASA Association works to recruit, screen, train, and support Court Appointed Special Advocates to speak for the well-being of abused and neglected children. Nebraska CASA includes a network of 22 local programs serving 54 counties. Nebraska CASA partnered with the University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research and Grace Abbott School of Social Work to execute a simplified cost-benefit analysis of the CASA program in Nebraska. The intent is to demonstrate some of the benefits of the Nebraska CASA program to both children and the public for which a monetary value could be estimated. Monetizing …

Housing Availability And Quality In Nebraska, Josie Gatti Schafer, Tara Grell

Publications

No abstract provided.

State Of Nebraska Digital Equity Plan: Understanding The Digital Equity Needs Of Covered Populations In Nebraska, Josie Gatti Schafer, Julie L. Masters, Morgan Vogel, Chris Kelly, Laurel Sariscsany, Ignacio Ruelas Avila, Tara Grell

Publications

According to 2021 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 7% of Nebraska households do not have access to a computer and 6% of Nebraska households have access to a computer but no internet. Although recent efforts suggest there is momentum and government action at both the federal and state levels to address lack of broadband (Hammel, 2023; Newman, 2023), this still leaves a considerable number of Nebraskans without access to reliable broadband in the meantime. Furthermore, broadband access is moot if Nebraskans do not have access or cannot afford technology and the cost of internet in the …