OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new group has formed to connect Nebraska educators with the state’s business community. The goal: Better prepare the state’s students for their careers.

The group is called Accelerate Nebraska. It is led by Greg Adams, outgoing speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, and Catherine Lang, former director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and commissioner of labor. Support comes from Mutual of Omaha, Mutual of Omaha Bank and Nebraska philanthropists. Mutual of Omaha Bank President Jeff Schmid will head the group’s board of directors.

Adams says in a news release that Accelerate Nebraska will focus on education improvement and talent development “that provides essential and relevant skills to better prepare students for careers.”