April 10, 2019 · 2 min read

Students sought for flood recovery serviceships

Barney McCoy | Journalism and Mass Communication

Journalism student Kenneth Ferriera interviews Red Cross Disaster Services volunteer Joel Olavarrio outside a shelter in Fremont. Students from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications are recording stories from the communities impacted by recent floods. This summer, up to 50 University of Nebraska students will take part in flood recovery serviceships statewide.

Huskers can now apply for a new University of Nebraska student serviceship program to assist with flood recovery efforts.

The program, based on a successful initiative offered through the NU Rural Futures Institute, will place up to 50 students directly in communities impacted by the flooding. Participating students will gain public service experience while learning how communities deal with natural disasters.

Students will work directly with local leaders on recovery efforts to contribute in ways that add value, and will help identify service projects that could be addressed by teams of students, faculty and staff.

Duration of the serviceships will vary based on student schedules and the needs of the community. Maximum duration will be 40 hours per week for 10 weeks, starting in late May or early June. Students will be paid $12.50 per hour and may have the opportunity to earn college credit for the work. Students must have access to a car and may request to serve in their hometown.

Applications are available online. All undergraduate, graduate and professional students from any NU campus can apply.

Video: NU Rural Futures Institute summer serviceships

Campus leadership tasked with coordinating flooding volunteer efforts will evaluate the applications and make selections based on students’ academic standing, their willingness to serve or other criteria.

The flood serviceship program is being coordinated by the universitywide team of experts working together to facilitate volunteer opportunities and pursue partnerships where NU expertise is needed. Nebraska Extension leaders will identify community hosts for students and work with local leaders on appropriate service projects. Student safety will be the highest priority in determining projects.

The program is funded by a $250,000 investment from the University of Nebraska.

Students or other interested parties are invited to contact Chuck Hibberd, director of Nebraska Extension, hibberd@unl.edu or 402-472-3919.

Learn more about the university’s response to regional flooding.