The Nebraska State College System (NSCS) announced today that Nebraska SMART, its free virtual tutoring program, is expanding statewide, giving every K–12 student in Nebraska access to one-on-one academic support from trained college tutors.
Since launching as a pilot in February 2024, Nebraska SMART has provided more than 1,660 tutoring sessions to students in rural school districts across Nebraska. Initially serving Educational Service Units (ESUs) 1, 4, and 13, the program strategically expanded to include Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) member districts. With the addition of mid-sized districts earlier this year, Nebraska SMART is now positioned to serve all Nebraska school districts statewide.
Funded through a Nebraska Department of Education Improvement Grant, Nebraska SMART pairs K–12 students with teacher education candidates from Chadron State, Peru State, and Wayne State Colleges for personalized, online tutoring in core subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies. Tutors are full-time students admitted to their college’s teacher education program, have completed background checks, and receive specialized training through their coursework. Each State College campus has a Nebraska SMART Coordinator who provides faculty oversight and ensures instructional quality.
“This is a perfect example of how the Nebraska Department of Education can partner with the Nebraska State College System to provide both student support and workforce development at the same time,” said Commissioner Brian Maher. “This program has been successful in rural districts and it is exciting to offer the service to all Nebraska schools.”
“Nebraska SMART has proven that when we connect future teachers directly with K–12 learners, everyone benefits,” said Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State Colleges. “Our students gain invaluable classroom experience while helping children across Nebraska build skills and confidence. Expanding statewide allows us to extend this powerful partnership to every Nebraska community.”
Tutoring sessions are available Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 8:30 PM CT in English, math, science, and social studies. Parents can register and schedule sessions for their students, or access on-demand tutoring with qualified tutors through https://www.nscs.edu/nebraskasmart.
The expansion marks a major milestone in NSCS’s continued effort to support student learning and educator preparation across Nebraska.
