Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education

Burke High principal joins Coordinating Commission

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has appointed a new commissioner, Dr. Deborah A. Frison, to the state's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE).

As one of 11 commissioners, Frison will work with CCPE staff to fulfill the commission's many duties, which are spelled out in both the state's Constitution and in statute. Frison represents District 2, which covers north Omaha.

Nearly $15 million awarded to needy students through Nebraska Opportunity Grant

The Coordinating Commission awarded nearly $15 million to more than 15,000 needy college students last year as part of the Nebraska Opportunity Grant program.

The state of Nebraska provides the Nebraska Opportunity Grant - formerly the Nebraska State Grant - to students who meet certain qualifications.  Qualifications include being a Nebraska resident, attending a Nebraska postsecondary institution, and having a minimum Expected Family Income (EFC) as determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

ACE Plus program kicks off second academic cycle

The Coordinating Commission is now accepting applications for the 2012 ACE Plus Scholarship Program. ACE Plus scholarships are available to full-time, first-year and second-year college students who received an Access College Early (ACE) Scholarship in high school.

The ACE Plus Scholarship was developed by the Coordinating Commission to encourage former ACE students to attend college full time. It's funded by the federal College Access Challenge Grant. The ACE Plus program first awarded scholarships for the 2011-2012 academic year. In that first year:

Commission approves dual enrollment/career academy report

The Coordinating Commission at its Dec. 8 meeting approved the LB Dual Enrollment and Career Academy Study.

LB 637 directed the commission to study the need for uniform policies and practices regarding dual-enrollment courses and career academies in Nebraska, as well as to examine other opportunities for Nebraska high-school students to earn college credit, such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs.

Full Commission to consider dual enrollment/career academy report

The Coordinating Commission at its Dec. 8 meeting will vote on adopting the LB 637 Dual Enrollment and Career Academy Report, produced by Commission staff. The Commission's Planning and Public Information Committee has already reviewed the report and will recommend approval to the full Commission.

The report is available for review on the Commission's website, as is more information about LB 637 and the dual enrollment/career academy study.

Dual enrollment/career academy advisory committee to meet for second time Oct. 11

The Coordinating Commission's dual enrollment/career academy advisory committee will hold its second meeting this Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.

In May 2011, Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law LB 637, part of which calls on the Coordinating Commission to conduct a study on the need for uniform policies and practices regarding dual-enrollment courses and career academies in Nebraska. The legislation directs the Coordinating Commission to collaborate with numerous stakeholders in completing this study.