The homework gap refers to the difficulty students experience completing homework remotely.
McCook Community Foundation Fund has been awarded a $20,000 by an anonymous donor and the Alice DeVoe Donor-Advised Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, to help McCook Public Schools narrow the growing homework gap as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MCFF also provided a $20,000 matching grant from its new COVID-19 Response Account, established in March to address local needs because of the pandemic.
Grants from the Bridging the Homework Gap program will be used in McCook to purchase additional Chromebooks in the McCook Junior High and Central Elementary. The goal is to reach 1-to-1 technology to students. Funds may also be used to purchase internet “hotspots,” for those students who don’t have reliable internet service at home.
Some of the most common causes of the homework gap are:
• Lack of access to a high-speed internet connection at home
• Prohibitive cost of a high-speed internet service at home
• Lack of access to properly equipped device to use at home
As more and more schoolwork, especially homework, has moved online in the past five years, the educational discrepancy between students with technology at their fingertips at home and those who lack access has grown dramatically.
The Bridging the Homework Gap funding opportunity was offered exclusively to Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) affiliated funds across the state and required the 1:1 local funding match, which was provided by MCFF’s COVID-19 Response Account.
“The homework gap has long existed, but COVID-19 has exacerbated the divide between Nebraska students,” said Jeff Yost, president & CEO of Nebraska Community Foundation. “We are in awe of the ways NCF affiliated funds are responding and bringing their communities together to both meet essential needs and solve complex and complicated challenges.”
McCook Community Foundation Fund Chairperson Cindy Huff said, “Through the generosity and forward-thinking of the people from this community, we were prepared to step forward and face unknown and unforeseen problems.” She added, “Because of previous donations to MCFF, we were able to match a grant through NCF to maximize an opportunity to help McCook Public Schools in meeting the demand of online learning.”
In total, more than $263,000 were granted to NCF affiliated funds and will benefit 31 schools statewide. “We are so grateful to the anonymous donor and the Alice DeVoe Donor-Advised Fund for their generosity and vision,” said Yost. “This is going to make a tremendous difference in the lives of many, many Greater Nebraskans.”
The McCook Community Foundation Fund has granted more than $90,000 from the COVID-19 Response Account over the past two months, including the $20,000 for the Bridging the Homework Gap grant.
Grants applications are still being accepted for the COVID-19 Response Account for any ideas or programs which will help those in need in the community. The emergency account is also available for anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation.
Sara Rippen named February 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month
Practicing Good Stewardship Takes Effort But Reaps Many Rewards
Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
