The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Cultivate ACCESS program celebrated the accomplishments of its 2024–2025 cohort during an end-of-year recognition event on April 25 at UNL’s East Campus. The event honored high school scholars, their school-based teachers and UNL undergraduate mentors who collaborated throughout the year on a shared mission to explore opportunities in agriculture, science and technology.
Cultivate ACCESS’s mission is to engage youth, empower change agents, and elevate dialogue to develop a new generation of agricultural, natural resources and STEM leaders. The long-term goal of the program is to increase participation of people who typically do not pursue STEM-related careers.
Throughout the academic year, high school students from across Nebraska were paired with UNL undergraduate mentors to engage in STEM learning experiences, develop professional skills, and explore college and career pathways.
A central feature of the program was the community action project, where each scholar applied their learning to address a need or opportunity in their local community.
Teachers from participating schools also engaged in professional development focused on strengthening their role in supporting student success through curricular innovation.
“This year’s participants demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and commitment,” said Jenny Keshwani, Cultivate ACCESS program director. “It’s exciting to see students discover new possibilities for their futures while strengthening their skills and confidence.”
The 2024–2025 participants included:
Grand Island High School
Teacher: Renee' Ekhoff
High School Scholar: Daniela Monzalvo Tolentino
Kearney Catholic High School
Teachers: Kathryn Black
High School Scholars: Elly Spracklen, Hunter Key, Indi Victoria, Jarren Blattner, Lizzie Black, Logan Clark, Miles Sughroue
Loup City High School
Teacher: Teresa Walters
High School Scholars: Ameris Molt, Gunnar Ducker, Penelope Cintron
Madison High School
Extension Educators: Leo Gonzalez & Sarah Polacek
High School Scholars: Adriana Ramos, Andrea Michelle Sandoval Ramos, Dayanis Mendez, Janaya Parks, Luna Reyes, Sahori Saguilan, Sara Hernandez, Sthefani Vazquez, Wilson Zumba
Norfolk Senior High School
Extension Educators: Leo Gonzalez & Sarah Polacek
High School Scholars: Alexandra Witt, Audrina Machuca, Myles Arenas, Nina Mendez Templin, Savannah Machuca
Omaha Bryan High School
Teacher: Taylor Wilton-Cooper
High School Scholars: Adrian Villa-Quinonez, Torrin Baker
Omaha Westview High School
Teachers: Lee Ann Stover
High School Scholars: Brooklynn Freeman, Dario Valdivieso, M’alya Fuller
The UNL students who mentored the high school scholars were Taylor Streich, Kodi Timanus, Julie Slattery, Jessie Klein, Emily Welter, Ella Bristol, Crayton Koranda, Claire Kiolbasa, Aysoltan Nuryyeva, Harini Sree Sharavanan and Janelly Hidalgo.
