Council approves $54,355 library grant to fund high‑school internship classification

The Lincoln City Council unanimously approved a resolution accepting a $54,355 state library grant and establishing a new high-school intern classification and salary schedule to fund teen internships focused on social-emotional learning and workforce readiness.

Library staff told the council the award came through the Library Services and Technology Act and that the grant will fund teen internships under a program described in the staff report as “Teens Succeed.” The presenter said the city is requesting (1) approval of a full‑time equivalent high‑school intern position, (2) adoption of a salary schedule for the new classification, and (3) a budget augmentation to record pass-through revenue and expenses; staff said there is no net cost to the city.

Council members asked how interns would be selected and whether the program is limited to the city’s two high schools. Library staff said recruitment will use a standard application process and the Teen Advisory Board will be one recruitment channel, but the intention is to prioritize ties to Lincoln and to consider resident applicants who attend charter schools, are homeschooled or otherwise live in Lincoln.

Staff also said the new classification can be used by other departments interested in creating high-school internships. Council members praised the program as a local workforce pipeline and applauded the library for pursuing the grant.

A motion to adopt the library resolution was moved and seconded; roll-call votes in the transcript record the council voting yes and the resolution was adopted.