Building Futures.
Creating Opportunities.
Connecting Omaha’s young people to meaningful work
experiences, career exploration, and professional development.
Opportunity that lasts
beyond summer.
Since 2008, Step-Up Omaha has helped young people
build confidence, explore careers, and prepare for their futures.
ESTABLISHED
YOUNG PEOPLE REACHED
AGES SERVED
More than a summer job.
A pathway forward.
What began in 2008 as a summer employment initiative has evolved into a comprehensive year-round program that provides young
people with the skills, experience, and connections they need to succeed in school, work, and life.
Summer employment plays a vital role in engaging youth and building
pathways toward long-term career success. Today, Step-Up Omaha
also offers career exploration, specialized cohorts, workforce
training, and continued professional development.
02 / SUMMER PROGRAMS
Two pathways. One powerful future.
Different experiences. Shared opportunities.
Helping Omaha’s young people explore their potential,
build confidence, and prepare for meaningful futures.
AGES 14–15
Step-Up Omaha Explore
Career exploration experiences help younger participants
discover their interests, develop foundational skills,
and gain exposure to different workplaces and industries.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
INDUSTRY EXPOSURE
AGES 16–21
Jobs, Careers & Internships
Employment readiness training and paid work experiences
connect older participants with meaningful opportunities
across a variety of industries.
WORKFORCE READINESS
CAREER CONNECTIONS
FROM OUR PROGRAM HISTORY
Step-Up Omaha Connect | Ages 19–21:
Historically, participants accessed full-time and part-time
opportunities with potential for continued employment.
Some earned $14–$15 or more per hour. These figures
are historical and do not represent current pay commitments.
03 / CAREER EXPLORATION
Discover what’s possible.
Participants have explored a wide range of industries and organizations. The examples below reflect historical program activities rather than guaranteed current placements.
Healthcare
CHI Health, UNMC, Charles Drew Health Center
IT & STEM
Gamble Tech, Metropolitan Community College PROTO Lab
Government
Mayor’s Office, City Council, County Commissioners,
County Treasurer, Planning Department
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
Omaha Police Department, Douglas County Jail,
Douglas County Attorney’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, Omaha Fire Department, U.S. Probation Office
Arts, Culture & History
Union for Contemporary Arts, Malcolm X, NOMA,
Great Plains Black History Museum, El Museo Latino
Sports, Events & Hospitality
TD Ameritrade, CenturyLink Center, MECA
Agriculture & Food Production
Permaculture
Entrepreneurship
SocialPreneur Lab,
Boys & Girls Club Career Launch Program
Business & Executive Leadership
WoodmenLife
Skilled Trades
Construction, culinary, and automotive experiences
through OPS Career Center
College Visits
UNO, Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University
04 / SPECIALIZED CAREER COHORTS
Explore. Create. Innovate.
Specialized STEAM and career-focused experiences
help participants develop practical skills and explore
emerging fields.
CNA Certification
Construction
Drones
Entrepreneurship
Production
Culinary
Social Media
Information Technology
Coding & Marketing
05 / PROGRAMS IN ACTION
Real experiences. Real impact.
Through hands-on work experiences, career exploration, and skill-building opportunities, Step-Up Omaha helps young people gain confidence, develop their talents, and take meaningful steps toward their goals.
From a first paycheck to a future career,every experience matters.
HISTORICAL WORKSITES
Experience that opens doors.
Our programs give young people the chance to earn, learn, and make real-world connections that help them discover their strengths and explore what’s possible.
Step-Up Omaha participants have gained experience with organizations including American National Bank, CHI Health,
American National Bank, CHI Health, UNMC, the City of Omaha, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, WoodmenLife,
Omaha Public Schools, and other community employers.
Illustrative images representing youth career development experiences.
06 / COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
The partners behind
the possibilities.
Meaningful opportunities are made possible through
the generosity, leadership, and commitment of organizations
that believe in the potential of Omaha’s young people.
We proudly recognize those who help bring the
Step-Up Omaha mission to life.
INVESTING IN OPPORTUNITY
Our Funders
Providing the financial support that helps
open doors for young people.
COLLABORATING FOR IMPACT
Community & Program Partners
Sharing their expertise, resources,
and commitment to youth development.
Stronger partnerships. Greater opportunities.
Brighter futures.
Thank you for investing in Omaha’s young people and helping turn possibility into opportunity.
07 / YEAR-ROUND DEVELOPMENT
Growth doesn’t stop in summer.
Selected interns continue developing their skills
from October through March through career exploration,
professional development, coaching, and civic engagement.
Career Exploration
Discover career pathways and future opportunities.
Professional Development
Build workplace readiness and professional skills.
Mentorship & Coaching
Receive continued guidance and support
from program coaches.
Civic Engagement
Build meaningful connections within the community.
OUR VISION
To bridge the employment gap and invest in the workforce
of the future by recruiting, training, and preparing
career-minded youth and young adults to make positive
life choices and maximize their potential through
educational and career opportunities.
GET INVOLVED
Be part of what’s next.
Whether you’re a student, employer, or community partner,
there are many ways to support Step-Up Omaha.