Aurora: A place to grow and come home to

Last week I attended the Governor’s Summit in Kearney, and it reminded me of something that Aurora does extremely well as a community.
Something that is unique about this conference is that a Youth Summit is also taking place at the same time. The entire group, adults and youth, joins together for the opening, lunch and closing keynotes and then breaks out into different sessions in between.
During the lunch keynote, there was a panel of young professionals. They were four individuals who grew up in Nebraska, attended an in-state college and decided to settle in Nebraska. The panel discussed how they chose their careers and the colleges they attended. They also shared why they wanted to stay in Nebraska, which ranged from quality of life, to career options and proximity to family.
Typically, when we discuss the topic of where young professionals want to end up, there is a negative narrative about Nebraska and small-town living. We have heard terms like “brain drain,” or students are told they need to move away to be successful. This panel offered a refreshing perspective on the benefits and opportunities that are available right here in the Good Life, which is important for our youth to hear and understand.
This conference was a reminder of how well Aurora does at encouraging youth to choose Aurora as their home when they become adults. I have met countless people through my work at Aurora Development Corporation who have said that Aurora is the gold standard for places to live. There is small-town living, quality education and opportunities for youth, a variety of jobs and large-town amenities all within close proximity.
What Aurora has going from this standpoint is something that many communities start campaigns and programs to try to emulate. Additionally, it would be difficult for other communities to duplicate Aurora’s success because it is baked into so many aspects of community life. From activities happening during community events, to speeches during Homecoming, to all the internships and business tours that happen for youth in between, Aurora is intentional about involving young people, showing them the opportunities available to them as they become professionals, and planting seeds about returning home.
Moving back to or staying in your hometown isn’t for everyone, and leaving for a time can be an important part of growing and finding your path. But Aurora has created a culture where young people can see themselves building a career, raising a family and having a fulfilling life right here at home.
That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because a community chooses to invest in its young people, introduce them to opportunities and remind them that success doesn’t always require leaving home. Aurora has been doing that for generations, and it is one of the things that makes this community special.
KELSEY BERGEN serves as executive director of the Aurora Development Corporation. She can be reached at kelsey@growaurora.com