Listen to the full interview with Terri Burchell and Molly Jorgensen on our Kubota Podcast
The North Platte Public Schools Foundation is working to connect students with real-world experience, summer learning opportunities and long-term success beyond graduation.
Executive Director Terri Burchell said the Foundation’s role is to support the district in ways traditional funding cannot.
“The budget only goes so far, so we try to fill those gaps and help the teachers and the students,” Burchell said.
One of those efforts includes providing hands-on experience for students like intern Molly Jorgensen, a North Platte High School senior who is completing her second year with the Foundation.
Jorgensen said she initially planned to pursue a media-related internship, but found the Foundation offered an unexpected opportunity to build those skills.
“I did last year, and I’m doing it again this year. And I just love it,” she said.
In her role, Jorgensen helps manage social media, design promotional materials and assist with donor outreach. She said the experience has helped her better understand the importance of communication and relationships.
“I feel like one-on-one conversations… connections with others… that’s really important,” she said.
Burchell said students like Jorgensen bring a fresh perspective that also helps the organization improve how it reaches younger audiences.
“She’s been able to take that out to social media and share those things… as she’s been learning,” Burchell said.
The Foundation is also focused on increasing student participation in its scholarship programs. This year, more than two dozen scholarships will be awarded, but Burchell said only a small portion of eligible seniors applied.
To address that, the Foundation is introducing new tools to help students track activities and build resumes earlier in high school, making the application process easier by the time they are seniors.
Another major initiative is the Summer Launch Pad program, which offers 14 activities led by nine teachers, primarily taking place in July.
The program was created not just to offer classes, but to simplify summer planning for families.
“There’s so many opportunities in the community, and parents didn’t really have that one place to go,” Burchell said.
Activities range from STEM-based learning to practical life skills, with some younger age group sessions already filled. Middle school offerings are still available.
The Foundation is also continuing its Distinguished Alumni program, which recognizes graduates of North Platte High School who have made an impact in their communities and careers.
Burchell said the recognition highlights a wide range of achievements, from military service to local leadership, and serves as inspiration for current students.
“Their story started here,” she said.
The 2026 class includes Reverend Herbert W. Birch, Bishop Craig W. Loya and Tad M. Haneborg.
Those honorees will be recognized during the Foundation’s Evening of Excellence on July 24. Tickets go on sale April 30.
Jorgensen said her experience with the Foundation has reinforced the value of stepping outside her comfort zone and taking advantage of opportunities.
“Max out your opportunities that you can,” she said.