The Nevada Institute for Children, the brain-child of First Lady Sandy Miller, will further the causes of all Nevada children by studying related public policy problems and issues.

To be located at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Institute will examine policy issues from an interdisciplinary perspective and will focus on five primary goals: study issues that affect Nevada's children; develop legislative proposals, supporting materials and programmatic improvements; coordinate the UCCSN's programs that address children's issues; assist government agencies, non-profits and the private sector in involving the community in children's issues; and identify issues of concern to Nevada's children.

"The Nevada Institute for Children will provide an incredible opportunity for our state's children, our teachers in training and our faculty," said Richard Jarvis, chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada.

"Over the past 10 years, Mrs. Miller has been an extraordinary champion for our state's children," he added. "The UCCSN is proud to help the First Lady launch this unique organization that will benefit Nevada's children throughout the entire educational spectrum."

In her presentation to the Board, Mrs. Miller also commended the Regents for setting the national example by tackling literacy issues early in a student's educational experience. She lauded the Board's Regents Award Program which helped tutor approximately 831 elementary school children through the America Reads Program. This program strives to increase third grade literacy utilizing university and community college student tutors to work one-on-one with children on improving their reading skills.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.