Collaboration Campus

05/27/2026

North Platte is home to many amazing childcare facilities. However, analysis indicates that in North Platte, approximately 1,099 children under age six have all available parents in the workforce, yet the community contains only 811 licensed child care spots, representing a critical shortage of 288 spaces. Statewide, child care deficits generate an estimated $1.2 billion in annual direct economic losses due to worker absenteeism, turnover, and
productivity drops.

Over the past five years, North Platte and Lincoln County have experienced an unprecedented period of economic expansion, positioning the region as one of the most rapidly developing areas in Nebraska. According to the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation, approximately $2.3 billion in new projects have been completed, are underway, or are in advanced planning stages. This growth is outstanding and the need for additional childcare will continue to grow.

The early learning challenge is the clearest and most measurable of the Collaboration Campus components. Operating models show that high-quality care is structurally expensive, with personnel costs absorbing the majority of revenue. The Campus model alleviates this operational strain by sharing building overhead and integrating specialized facilities like industrial food service and outdoor play zones.

Building the Early Learning Center, as part of the Collaboration Campus, is a huge boost to North Platte and Lincoln County.

05/20/2026

North Platte Area Children's Museum.

The museum currently faces significant facility and safety
limitations in its existing location:
• Outdated Infrastructure: It is currently housed in the former Carnegie Library, which was built in 1912 and is ill-suited for a modern museum.
• Safety Concerns: The museum lacks its own parking, forcing staff and families to use the adjacent county jail parking lot. Mothers with children have reported being approached for rides by individuals recently released from the jail.
• Physical Deficiencies: The current building has unresolved accessibility issues (universal design needs), code compliance gaps, and significant deferred maintenance.

OUR VISION
Our vision is to transform the Children’s Museum into a premier,
accessible "destination amenity" for North Platte families and visitors. By nearly doubling the museum’s footprint—expanding from 6,400 square feet to an estimated 11,800 square feet—we will provide modern facilities and engaging exhibits that inspire the next generation of learners.

The new museum serves as an inviting gateway to the Collaboration Campus, offering a warm and open welcome to every family in our region. By transitioning from the 112-year-old Carnegie Library into a purpose-built facility, we are moving past the safety and accessibility barriers of the past. Through universal design, we’ve created a space where every child, regardless of ability, can play, discover, and learn with dignity in a building designed specifically for their needs.

04/27/2026

Check out some the recent news coverage regarding the Campus. We are thankful for the local media helping to share recent developments regarding the project. We encourage everyone to reach out if you have questions or concerns. We love discussing all the amazing benefits this can bring to North Platte. https://www.knopnews2.com/2026/04/21/north-platte-collaboration-campus-proposal-be-discussed-public-meeting/

https://northplattebulletin.com/childrens-museum-would-be-saved-if-relocated-officials-say/

If an extensive “Collaboration Campus” comes to fruition, the city’s public library and the Children’s Museum might someday be under one roof on the south side of E. Philip Ave.

03/04/2026

NORTH PLATTE, NE — March 4, 2026
Organizers of the Collaboration Campus are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of an exclusive, by-invitation briefing held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 , at the Prairie Arts Center. Approximately 40 community leaders attended the session, which served as the official unveiling of plans for a new facility designed to house community education, cultural programs, and food insecurity resources.

The event was hosted by Colten Venteicher with BVV Law Firm, J Rose Partners, and BVH Architects. It provided an intimate setting for North Platte’s leaders to engage directly with the organizers and view the preliminary designs for the campus. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing enthusiasm for a project that aims to transform North Platte and Lincoln County into a premier destination to live, work, and raise a family.

"The energy in the room was palpable," said the organizing team. "With roughly 40 of our community’s most influential voices present, we were able to have deep, meaningful discussions about the future of this campus. The feedback has been incredibly encouraging, confirming that our vision for a collaborative hub resonates with the needs of the region."

Event Highlights Included:
Design Reveal: Attendees were given a first look at the exciting architectural designs intended to revitalize the local community.
Collaborative Dialogue: A robust Q&A session allowed officials and organizers to address questions and discuss how various stakeholders can participate in the project.
Regional Impact: Discussions focused on the campus’s role in addressing food insecurity and enhancing cultural facilities in Lincoln County.

The Collaboration Campus project represents a significant step forward for North Platte, positioning the area as a leader in integrated community services. Organizers plan to release further details regarding the next phases of development in the coming months.

The Collaboration Campus is a visionary project in North Platte, NE, dedicated to creating a centralized hub for community education, culture, and food insecurity facilities. By fostering collaboration between local leaders, the campus aims to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Lincoln County.

02/16/2026

Serving as the "front porch" of our community, the Collaboration Campus - North Platte offers a warm, welcoming gateway where Central and Western Nebraska families can easily access the vital resources they need to flourish. By bringing together early learning, literacy, and food security under one roof, we’ve created an inviting space that prioritizes human connection and removes the barriers to essential support. This innovative hub doesn’t just house services; it fosters a sense of belonging, inviting residents to step inside and find a direct path to lifelong success and stability.