Nebraska Business at Standing Bear High School Program Announced

New LPS Focus Program Offered in 2023

Lincoln Public Schools and the College of Business at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are joining together to launch Nebraska Business at Standing Bear High School. Announced at a special press conference, the newest LPS focus program will allow Standing Bear students to learn about the dynamic world of business and take courses to explore and learn more about potential career opportunities in business.

Lincoln Public Schools and the College of Business at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are joining together to launch Nebraska Business at Standing Bear High School. The announcement of the newest LPS focus program was made during a special press conference on Tuesday morning.

“Once again Lincoln Public Schools and the University of Nebraska will team up to provide an exciting new opportunity for our students,” said LPS Superintendent Steve Joel. “This focus program at our new high school will empower our students to find academic success through authentic learning opportunities, rigorous standards and individualized learning. This is just another example of the great collaboration between our two institutions that will greatly benefit our students and community.”

Dean Kathy Farrell speaking during the Standing Bear press conference — Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business, welcomed attendees at the press conference, joined alongside Chancellor Ronnie Green, Steve Joel, LPS superintendent and Sue Cassata, who will serve as the principal of Standing Bear High School.

Standing Bear High School students will learn about the dynamic world of business and take courses to explore and learn more about potential career opportunities in business. Students in grades 9 and 10 at Standing Bear High School will have business coursework integrated into other classes they take. Students in grades 11 and 12 may opt to take classes for college credit through the focus program and will receive reduced tuition. Non-credit experiences will be available to students free-of-charge. The program is designed to be affordable and accessible to students and their families.

Through hands-on immersive experiences and early college pathways, the focus program will allow Standing Bear High School students to explore their passions and career opportunities in the areas of marketing, management, accounting, finance, supply chain and economics. Pathways are designed for students who wish to pursue a two- or four-year college degree, as well as for students who plan to enter the workforce after graduating from high school. They will do so while connecting with peers, teachers and business professionals from the community.

“We exist to create opportunity for Nebraska, and today we are boosting access to exceptional business education for Nebraskans,” said UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green. “Partnering with LPS and Standing Bear High School in this new way with our College of Business builds on a historically strong relationship and expands opportunities for students right here in Lincoln.”

“We all know business and entrepreneurship are critical to our state and that our state’s high school students can go on to lead successful careers in Nebraska,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance. “This partnership will help Lincoln high school students explore the world of business and gain insight into their interest in leading the future of business.”

Standing Bear High School will open in the fall of 2023, and with it the new Nebraska Business focus program. As the new high school continues to be built, curriculum planning will take shape this next year collaboratively with LPS teachers and College of Business faculty.