NCTA honored for technical education

June 10, 2020                                                                         

Technical programs for high school and college students earned honors this week for the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Twenty six awards were announced Tuesday in a virtual awards program honoring Nebraska’s educators and institutions which teach agriculture, family and consumer sciences, business leadership, and more to Nebraska high school students.

The 2020 Outstanding Postsecondary CTE Program was awarded to NCTA by Nebraska Career and Technical Education, and the Association for Career and Technical Education Nebraska.

“NCTA has strongly supported CTE education over many decades,” said Sydney Kobza, NC&TE assistant director with the Nebraska Department of Education.

“Along with impacting numerous FFA members through the countless events and competitions that have been sponsored and supported on its campus located in Curtis, NCTA serves as a foundation point and economic driver in Southwest Nebraska.”

The Career and Technical Education award recognizes dedication from NCTA faculty and staff to youth and all educational partners, said Kelly Bruns, NCTA interim dean.

Larry Gossen, agriculture advisor with the Nebraska Department of Education becomes NCTA dean on Monday.

“The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and its campus with hands-on learning enables learners of all ages to gain important skills,” Gossen said.

“NCTA graduating students are highly sought after within the agricultural industry due to their advanced technical agricultural education.”

The two-year agricultural program is part of the University of Nebraska system.

In addition to support of regional and statewide FFA programs, NCTA leverages academics and technical resources with its educational and industry partners.

Annually, NCTA has been a recipient of federal Perkins program funds of more than $20,000, said Jennifer McConville, NCTA associate dean for finance, operations and student services.

“These resources which enhance the hands-on learning experiences for high school and college students at NCTA include equipment for precision agriculture, agricultural mechanics and welding, dental radiography equipment for veterinary technology, and processing equipment to launch our meat science program,” McConville said.

In-person, summer courses are planned at NCTA beginning next week, with fall classes starting in August.  Additional details will be announced at ncta.unl.edu.

Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two-year institution with a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology and related industries. NCTA is known for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rate for its graduates, and for the success of student teams in competitive activities including crops judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials, and intercollegiate rodeo. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best two-year schools in the nation.