LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Two central Nebraska companies have been chosen to participate in Gov. Pete Ricketts’ new initiative to expand the state’s skilled workforce.

Ricketts announced Tuesday that Flowserve Corporation of Hastings and Hollman Media, LLC of Kearney will each receive a $125,000 grant through the Nebraska Developing Youth Talent Initiative.

Ricketts unveiled the program in July as a way to lure young people into manufacturing and technology careers by connecting public schools with the private sector.

Flowserve Corporation is the leading business in a consortium of Hastings-area companies that are working with Hastings Public Schools and Central Community College. Holman Media, LLC is an information technology company and application developer that plans to expose more than 1,000 students to careers in its field.