NEW! A Tale of Two Readers
Nebraska third graders who struggle with reading are significantly less likely to graduate high school on time and pursue higher education than those with strong reading skills. However, students who receive the right support can make substantial academic progress, even if they start below reading standards. “A Tale of Two Readers” tells the exemplar story of two Nebraska girls, Mia and Lila, who took different reading paths. Lila’s early advantage led her to a seamless transition into higher education, while Mia’s perseverance showcased the possibility of overcoming initial setbacks. Their journeys highlight the impact of early reading proficiency on future success and the importance of targeted reading support.
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NEW! NSWERS Data Brief on Timely Employment
A college education is an investment in the future, offering a pathway to higher earnings that can offset the cost of attendance and lead to a better standard of living. However, failing to secure stable employment soon after college can result in long-term unemployment, underemployment, or other career challenges. This report underscores the importance of college graduation, relevant work experience during college, and targeted fields of study in securing stable employment in Nebraska within six months after college exit.
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NSWERS Data Brief on Early Reading Proficiency in Nebraska
Early reading proficiency has an impact on key academic milestones for Nebraska students, including high school graduation and college enrollment. NSWERS’ data brief, based on historical data from the Nebraska State Accountability-Reading (NeSA-R) test, highlights the critical role early reading proficiency plays in shaping students’ long-term educational outcomes. This research offers insights for educators, parents, and policymakers as they work to support Nebraska’s students in achieving better outcomes in reading and education.
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NSWERS Data Brief on Talent Retention in Nebraska
Since the 1970s, Nebraska has faced a persistent challenge known as “brain drain,” the out-of-state migration of highly educated individuals. The findings of this talent retention brief suggest targeted strategies that can enhance the retention of college graduates, particularly through the promotion of internships and work opportunities during college. This research seeks to inform new policies that can better support education and job growth in Nebraska, making the state a more attractive place for young professionals to live and work.
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NSWERS ACT and College Going in Nebraska Story
The ACT, renowned for its assessment of academic preparedness for college, serves as Nebraska’s eleventh grade statewide assessment. This research reveals a critical link between the ACT scores of Nebraska public students and the decision to pursue higher education. The choices made by these students, informed by their ACT scores, not only shape their personal futures but also hold implications for educational strategies, workforce development, and policymaking within the state.
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NSWERS' 2024 Dual Enrollment Special Report
Dual enrollment is an important way to expand educational opportunities, both at the high school and postsecondary levels. This report highlights the differences between Nebraska students who participate in dual enrollment and those who do not. In Nebraska, dual enrollment is associated with positive academic outcomes including higher graduation rates in high school, higher levels of college enrollment and persistence, higher GPAs, and higher college graduation rates.
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Integrating Data Over Time

The Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System, or NSWERS, is a state-of-the-art data system that promotes a strong economy, good jobs, growing business, and thriving communities. NSWERS is unique, the only resource in the state that integrates education and workforce data over time, from preschool to grade 12, through college, and into work, creating a holistic view of the learning and earning journey.

Supporting Decision Making

NSWERS is focused on the development of products and services that best support decision making and decision makers. For the first time in our state’s history, we have integrated education and workforce data to answer the big and bold questions facing Nebraska today.

Questions like:

  • How many high school graduates go on to college?
  • Are students ready to work when they graduate?
  • How long does it take graduates to find a good job?
  • Do they stay and work in Nebraska?

Partnering with Education & Workforce

NSWERS is a one-of-a-kind partnership between Nebraska’s learning and earning systems. Partners include the Nebraska Department of Education, all six Nebraska Community Colleges, the Nebraska State College System, and the University of Nebraska System. The Nebraska Department of Labor provides the connection from education into employment.

Improving Programs in Nebraska

NSWERS collects and analyzes data that drives real change. Partners, policymakers, and researchers access this information to help make informed decisions that will improve education and workforce programs in the state.

With NSWERS, there are answers for every Nebraskan.