Foremost among these needs is the knowledge necessary for our citizens to make informed decisions about the many complex public issues that challenge contemporary society. Higher education has an important role to play as a resource for public policy analysis and research as well as a resource for citizen education about public issues. Rural Nebraskans particularly need increased access to educational programming, services, technologies, and expertise that will help their businesses and communities compete and stay abreast of changes that will impact them. Postsecondary education institutions can facilitate access to educational, technological, and cultural opportunities in rural areas to the extent their resources permit. As increasing numbers of non-English speaking persons enter our state, English as a Second Language, citizenship courses, and other educational programs are needed to help them successfully participate in our society.
Illiteracy is a problem within our state as it is throughout the nation.
Illiteracy limits both the quality of life of many of our citizens and the productivity of our state's work force. Postsecondary education, and community colleges in particular, must help address this issue by providing accessible literacy programs throughout the state. Adequate health care, especially to rural areas, is a critical issue which postsecondary education can help resolve through health education services accessible throughout the state. As a part of this solution, the University of Nebraska Medical Center can continue to actively recruit and train professionals who want to serve rural areas. The escalating cost of health care is another issue that demands the attention of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.