FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Upstarts Program Connects Thayer Central Students With Local Businesses to Solve Real-World Challenges

December 10, 2025

HEBRON, Neb. — Seven students from Thayer Central Community Schools completed a six-week entrepreneurial innovation program this fall through Upstarts, a learning experience facilitated by Thayer and Nuckolls County Extension and the Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA). The program, carried out in partnership with Thayer Central business teacher Ashley Wit, gave students hands-on experience solving real world challenges facing local industries.

“The Upstarts program provided students with meaningful real-world problem-solving experience. They were able to see firsthand that both established businesses and new ventures face challenges, and that the need for creative solutions exists at every stage of growth. I also value the opportunity this program gave students to network and build connections beyond the walls of the classroom.” says Wit. 

Upstarts kicked off with team-building and leadership development activities designed to help students understand their strengths and how to collaborate effectively. On November 11, Thayer County Health Services and CropForce One visited the school to pitch challenges their organizations are currently facing. Student teams selected the business they wanted to partner with and spent the next several weeks diving into solutions.

Over the following three weeks, students conducted market research, worked through design and development, and met with an industry expert for specialized insight. The program concluded on November 9, when the two student groups presented their final solutions back to the businesses and answered questions about their research and reasoning.

“When we were first pitched the problems I felt very intimidated. As we talked with the professionals I slowly began to feel more confident in myself and my team. It was so wonderful to get to hear the issues our community faces and to have a real, meaningful impact on them. By the end of the project I had learned so much and can't wait to see our innovation put into place.”  - Aiden Degenhardt

Both participating businesses shared that they enjoyed working with the students and valued the fresh perspectives and thoughtful feedback they received.

"The Upstarts program helped CropForce with our startup marketing and generated several creative ideas that we plan to use in the near future. Their professionalism, creativity, and willingness to engage with a local business were impressive. I absolutely recommend the Upstarts program to any other business in our county."

Shiane Dunlap -CropForce 

“We were excited to hear from our local students and learn their ideas on how to better engage our community in preventative healthcare. It was inspiring to see our youth take interest in the healthcare challenges impacting our area. Their fresh perspective will help us reevaluate our marketing strategies and continue to grow our preventative care appointments," says Amanda Vandervoort, Thayer County Health Service, COO.

Upstarts not only connected students with real-world problems, but also highlighted the value of local partnerships in developing future leaders and fostering community-driven solutions.

Partnering with organizations on youth outreach programs like this builds confidence and leadership in our next generation, strengthening their connection to Thayer County and supporting organic community growth. For more information about the Upstarts program or if your business would like to be considered for a future program, contact Thayer/Nuckolls County Extension or TCEDA. 

THAYER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by fostering economic growth and business development throughout Thayer County, Nebraska. Through innovative programs, valuable resources, and strong community partnerships, TCEDA works to attract and retain businesses and improve the region's workforce, infrastructure, and housing availability.

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Contact Information:

Paige Hansen

Community Coordinator, TCEDA

310 Lincoln Ave., Hebron, NE 68370

(402) 768-7407 | coordinator.TCEDA@gmail.com