Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth (NGRUFY) continues to impact the youths across the Nex-Tech footprint tangibly. I reached out to Layne Reynolds, the organization’s Marketing Coordinator, to get us up to speed with some cool facts about NGRUFYI. She prepared this. 😊

1. Mission
Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth aims to educate students in northwest and north central Kansas about local career opportunities. We support programs in career development, entrepreneurship, and internships to foster community pride and encourage youth to stay or return home to thrive.

Did you know that over $700,000 has been rounded up by Nex-Tech customers to support Nex-Gen?

2. Internship & Work-Study Program
High school and college students are paired with local businesses for school-year work-study and paid summer internships. Students gain professional skills and exposure to careers, while businesses benefit from fresh ideas, networking, and potential future employees—all contributing to rural youth retention. Every year the program supports over 100 interns. Nex-Gen has impacted over 750 interns in the last 11 years.

Did you know that over 13,000 students have been impacted by Nex-Gen in the past 11 years?

3. Young AmeriTowne® of Kansas
In partnership with the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, this 4–6-week curriculum for grades 4–8 teaches financial literacy and career development. It culminates in a field trip to our simulated town in Lenora, KS, where students take on real-world roles, manage finances, run businesses, and support local causes. They could be the town’s mayor, a judge, a police officer, a mail carrier, a manager, an accountant, key employees, and volunteer firefighters.

4. Life$kills
Life$kills is a one-day, hands-on workshop for high schoolers focused on real-world financial literacy. It is held at our Young AmeriTowne of Kansas site in Lenora, KS. Students receive a personal scenario—including income, expenses, and dependents—and create a monthly budget. Through exercises and unexpected challenges, they learn to navigate adult financial responsibilities.