Steve Reeves, Manager I
308-338-2008
The difficult mission of the Nebraska Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center at Kearney is to provide attention to the individual needs of each student in the least restrictive environment possible. This assignment of the State Legislature was first prescribed in 1879 and though the institution has had several names throughout history, dedicated faculty and staff in each era have tried to help young people of the day turn a temporary conflict with family or society into a constructive learning experience.
During the early day, this state facility at the county seat of Buffalo County was a co-educational unit beginning with an 8 year old boy and a 13 year old girl admitted in 1881; however, by 1892 crowded conditions led to the new school for girls at Geneva and the Kearney site concentrated on helping male offenders. Through the years a combination of physical activities and academic challenges made for a comprehensive curriculum at what became know in 1939 as Kearney West High. During the 1930's the students helped raise sugar beets. In 1955 a modern academic building was constructed and still remains the primary academic site for classes today. The first school yearbook was published in 1957 featuring the school colors of blue and white and the nickname, "Vikings."
Beginning with the 1970's the institutional treatment modality changed to a peer group. This made for a gradual but effective change from an irresponsible youth to a more responsible young person through staff direction and coaching leading to more self respect and better direction and attitude to society at large. As the number of young men being admitted after the commission of more serious crimes has increased, so too has the number of staff to meet more difficult responsibilities. With the cooperation of the Central Community College at Kearney, West Kearney High School provides for preparation and testing leading to the awarding of a Nebraska General Equivalency Diploma. Though their names may be private, the thousands of graduates from this state school have repaid society many times over with constructive pursuits due to the faithful efforts of the high school faculty. Progress and reformation of young people is always possible; West Kearney High School provides a good example.
West Kearney High School continues to meet the student's individual needs. The School Principal and twenty one member teaching staff are certified teachers through the Nebraska Department of Education. The West Kearney High School is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education as a Special Purpose School and the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges as an Optional School. Each student has an Individual Education Plan developed for him that has as it's goal to develop the students reading, language, math, and social studies skills to enable him to be a successful student and citizen. The West Kearney High School continues to award high school diplomas. WKHS makes significant use of technology throughout the school program utilizing computer assisted instruction and application in not only the academic classroom but also through the industrial technology program. The WKHS Title I program was the only recognized correctional project in 1991 by the United States Department of Education. The WKHS-YRTC continue to emphasize the importance of volunteerism/community service through a variety of Kearney community projects like Goodfellows, Kearney Food Bank, Salvation Army, Very Special Arts, ect...
The Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center is not a local institution, but one that effects the State of Nebraska and over 600 youth ages 12-18 served annually. There are presently 13 campus buildings, with several large auxiliary equipment sheds. Construction since the mid 60's has included a non-denominational chapel, student central dining room/laundry, vocational/technology building, gymnasium/pool and reception/security building. The State of Nebraska has returned approximately 250 acres to the city of Kearney to construct a municipal golf course around the YRTC campus.