Nebraska Extension in Dakota County

09/02/2026

NASA TechRise is a free NASA challenge for middle and high school students. It invites student teams to submit experimental ideas to fly on a commercial space-industry high-altitude balloon for suborbital flight.

The challenge includes information sessions for your department or organization upon request, free educational resources to foster classroom learning, and an exciting student virtual field trip in the fall. Sixty winning teams will also receive $1500 to build their experiment, a spot to test it on a NASA-sponsored flight, and technical support from NASA TechRise advisors. The challenge is a great way to get hands-on with a NASA project this school year, and we encourage teams of all skill levels to apply. Updated challenge resources (including videos, slide decks, and educator pacing guides) can all be found on the challenge website when the challenge opens.

Millard North High School from Omaha had a winning team in 2025-26, and you can see their short video on the challenge website.

More details at: https://www.futureengineers.org/nasatechrise

09/01/2026

The 2026 Nebraska Citizen Corps Conference is in North Platte this year. There is no cost to attend, and it is being hosted by the Lincoln County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Educational Sessions include: Intro to Search and Rescue: Basics of a Successful Search; Fire Suppression: When is it too big to handle?; Intro to Livestock and Animals During a Disaster; Knot Tying; Preparedness on a Budget; Intro to Drones - Future of Search and Rescue?

https://nema.nebraska.gov/nema-calendar-details.php?eid=291
Dates: Friday, September 11 (Registration is at 5 p.m.) - Sunday, September 13. The educational sessions are on Saturday, September 12
Location: North Platte
Conference Fee: No Cost
(Note: Meals and hotel are not covered expenses)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbln5E81e2351F6sfZyzCk7R_Igd3atU6kO5yC32digfzYRw/viewform

Please share this opportunity to experience hands-on learning through Nebraska Citizen Corps. Citizen Corps includes CERT, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Fire Corp, and Neighborhood Watch Programs (Learn more). You don't have to be a member of a Citizen Corps program to attend.

Registration Form

08/31/2026

Show off your favorite 4-H project -- or even one that didn't go as planned! Every project tells a story of learning, helping youth build the skills to become healthy, productive, and engaged leaders who are Beyond Ready for work and life.

Submit your project for the 4-H Project Showcase by September 15 to be featured during National 4-H Week in October and throughout the year at 4h.unl.edu/project-showcase.

More details at: https://4h.unl.edu/project-showcase

08/31/2026

Let’s Go Outside – We Can Dig It! | Harvest Time! 🧺
Look for ripe fruits and vegetables and help gather them together. Sorting, washing, and celebrating the harvest builds pride and responsibility.
Book suggestion: Fall Harvest Fun by Martha E.H. Rustad helps children connect growing food to family meals.
Download the guide at – go.unl.edu/lgo_harvest

08/31/2026

Let us help you develop your rural business!

Join Nebraska Extension this fall for the Rural Nebraska Makers Series, four virtual workshops covering practical topics like product photography, pricing, scaling up, and financial basics.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow, these sessions are designed to give you tools you can put to work right away.
-Starts September 14
-Virtual via Zoom
-$15 per workshop

See the flyer for the full schedule and register at go.unl.edu/rural!

08/29/2026

Let’s Go Outside – We Can Dig It! | Snip, Smell, and Taste! 🌿
Explore herbs by touching, smelling, and gently snipping leaves. Children learn how herbs are used for cooking while practicing careful observation.
Book suggestion: Rosemary the Helpful Herb by Spring Fornell pairs well with this sensory experience.
Download the guide at – go.unl.edu/lgo_herbs

08/28/2026

Featured Speaker: Dr Alexa Yunes-Koch
Key Topics: Child behavioral challenges, disciplinary alternatives, Effective conflict resolution, Child well-being, Adult well-being, Adult stress

Registration deadline: September 25th, non-refundable $30 per participant.
Limited to First 50- professionals.
https://go.unl.edu/tristate2026

08/27/2026

Let’s Go Outside – We Can Dig It! | Flower Hunt! 🌼
Search for flowers and notice colors, shapes, scents, and textures. Watch for bees and butterflies and talk about how flowers help living things grow.
Book suggestion: Zinnia’s Flower Garden by Monica Wellington encourages observation and care for plants.
Download the guide at – go.unl.edu/lgo_flowers

08/26/2026

Celebrate the people and experiences that help Nebraska youth become Beyond Ready at 4-H Day at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, August 30, from 2–4 p.m. in Raising Nebraska! Enjoy interactive activities, a 4-H photo booth, complimentary UNL Dairy Store ice cream (while supplies last), and help recognize outstanding volunteers and members of the Nebraska 4 H Leadership Academy during the 3 p.m. program. Purchase discounted August 30 gate passes for teens and adults (service fee applies; limit two tickets per purchase) in advance at http://go.unl.edu/2026nsf4hdaypasses and join us for an afternoon of 4-H fun and celebration!

08/13/2026

Nebraska's weather is notoriously unpredictable, and this week's disastrous storms are a stark reminder. Don't be caught off guard! Access crucial information on how to protect your family and food before, during, and after this emergency. https://go.unl.edu/foodsafety-storms