Lenora, KS – June 17, 2025 – Nex-Tech and CoBank have joined forces through CoBank’s Sharing Success program. CoBank has generously provided matching funds, and Nex-Tech is matching these amounts to enhance the efforts of the Rolling Hills Zoo Foundation and Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc.

Nex-Tech and CoBank have partnered to support the Rolling Hills Zoo Foundation with each donating $5,000 in matching funds, totaling $10,000. This collaboration reflects Nex-Tech’s commitment to giving back to the communities they serve and making a positive difference. In 2023, Nex-Tech received a broadband infrastructure grant as part of the Kansas Capital Project Funds Broadband Infrastructure Program. Nex-Tech was awarded the grant to expand high-speed Internet access across rural Saline County, including the Rolling Hills Zoo, as part of the $4.6 million project co-funded with state support. The Rolling Hills Zoo Foundation plays a vital role in preserving wildlife and offering educational opportunities to the community. The foundation supports the zoo’s mission of “Touching Hearts, Igniting Passion, Saving Wildlife” by creating enriching experiences that inspire appreciation and responsible stewardship of the natural world.

Ryan VanZant, Executive Director of Rolling Hills Zoo, emphasized the significance of this donation, saying, “We are incredibly grateful for this generous support, which will allow us to upgrade our Wi-Fi infrastructure. This investment not only enhances the experience for our guests and staff but also plays a vital role in supporting our educational programming, improving animal care, and streamlining operations in our veterinary hospital, Discovery Center, and Conference Center.”

Additionally, Nex-Tech and CoBank have each donated $10,000 in matching funds to Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc., totaling $20,000. This contribution will significantly bolster the efforts of Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc. in inspiring and preparing the next generation of rural leaders. Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc. is dedicated to funding, promoting, and supporting educational projects, scholarships, internships, and community programs focused on youth. Nex-Tech has maintained a long-standing and impactful partnership with Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc., supporting its mission to educate and empower rural Kansas youth through career development, entrepreneurship, and internship programs.

Kelli Hueneke, Executive Director of Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc., expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from CoBank and Nex-Tech through the Sharing Success program. This $20,000 investment directly fuels our mission to inspire and prepare the next generation of rural leaders. It’s more than a donation—it’s a vote of confidence in the potential of our youth and the future of our communities”.

Jimmy Todd, CEO and General Manager of Nex-Tech, highlighted the importance of these donations, stating, “At Nex-Tech, we believe in the power of investing in our youth and preserving wildlife. These donations are not just about financial support; they are about nurturing the future leaders of our rural communities and ensuring the preservation of wildlife. By supporting Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc. and the Rolling Hills Zoo Foundation, we are ensuring that our young people and wildlife have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed and thrive right here at home”.

For more information about CoBank’s Sharing Success program, visit https://www.cobank.com/web/cobank/citizenship/corporate-giving/sharing-success.
To learn more about Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc. and their programs, visit https://www.nex-generation.org/.
To learn more about the Rolling Hills Zoo Foundation, visit https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/about-us.