Opportunities Ahead

  • Omaha Public Schools is proud to partner with excellent community programs who offer supportive programming to students in middle and high school. Please review the information below to determine whether your child may qualify for the programs described below. If they do, we encourage them to apply! This information is intended to place students in programs for the 2024-2025 school year.

     

    AIM Institute Tech & College Access

    Schools: Monroe and Benson AIM Institute Logo

    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: Their mission is to diversify the tech community via education, outreach, and career development. Preparation into a tech career via college or technical training (AIM's accredited code school). College preparation, graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education, including certificate programs, 2 year and 4 year colleges and universities. We offer services in college preparation, college campus visits, financial literacy, personal development, career exploration, high school course selection, and cultural and social activities.

    Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12,low-income and potential first-generation college students and young adults up to the age of 27

    When Program Meets: During school, study hall, lunch, or advice, program field trips and events take place on days when there is no school or on evenings and weekends. We have a Tech club that meets 2x a week at Monroe Middle school's after-school program. Benson will have a code academy which will center on coding curriculum and college prep which meets 2x/week after school.

    Point of Contact: Brett Berkebile - Outreach Coordinator, bberkebile@aiminstitute.org, (402) 212-0535

    Application

     

    Avenue Scholars

    Schools: Benson, Bryan High, North, NorthwestAvenue Scholars Logo

    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: 2-year college (Metropolitan Community College), training, and professional certification into the workforce

    Eligibility: Current 10th grade students who qualify for Educational Benefits and have an interest in: Auto, IT, Business, Education, Trades, or Healthcare. Students must be willing to participate in internships, part-time work, and MCC dual enrollment courses. The GPA range is between 1.25 and 3.0, but not limited to that range if the student has an interest in one of the career industries. Students must have availability to take the Avenue Scholars class in 11th and 12th grade.

    When Program Meets: Avenue Scholars is an elective credit class that meets during the school day. After-school, programming may be required for attendance, grades, and career planning meetings. Senior year, there is a dual enrollment option through MCC.

    Point of Contact: Michael Johnson, mjohnson@avescholars.org

    Website

     

    Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands

    Boys and Girls Club Logo

    Stand-Alone Clubs in Omaha: North Omaha Club (2610 Hamilton), South Omaha Club (5051 S 22nd St)

    School-Based Clubs in Omaha: Mount View Club (5322 N 52 St), Florence Club (7902 N 36 St), Bryan Middle Club (8210 S 42 St)

    Clubs Inside Schools in Omaha: Morton, Skinner, Spring Lake

    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: The clubs provide a fun and safe space for kids and teens during out-of-school time. Serving thousands of youth across 12 locations in Omaha, Bellevue, Carter Lake and Council Bluffs, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands’ programs are led by professional and caring staff. Each club offers programs and services to help young people succeed in school, develop leadership skills and maintain healthy lifestyles. Programs are tailored to the local community and customized for each age group to meet the interests and developmental needs of young people ages 6-18.

    When Program Meets: Daily after school, open during school-out days and summer program hours

    Point of Contact: Ethel Christensen - Admin Assistant, echristensen@bgcomaha.org, (402) 342-1600

    Website

     

    College Possible

    Schools: Benson, South, North, NorthwestCollege Possible Omaha Logo

    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: College Possible is a FREE program that offers support to our students on their journey to and through college. In the program, each student will receive a dedicated coach who will provide mentorship along with free ACT preparation, guidance in selecting their best-fit college, college application assistance, financial aid (FAFSA)/scholarship application help, tools to get ready for the first year of college, and much more!

    Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior; have a 2.5 GPA or greater; meet family income requirements (determined during application process); have an interest in attaining a bachelor’s degree; and ready to commit to full program participation.

    When Program Meets: Once a month in a large group session after school for 1.5-2 hours with their dedicated coach along with other College Possible students. There will be multiple opportunities to attend the after-school group session throughout the month. In addition, once a month individually (1:1 session – coach and student). These individual sessions can take place during a variety of times: before school, during study hall, during free periods, after school, in-person, virtually, by phone, etc. The individual session will last 30 min - 1 hour.

    Point of Contact: Christina Jelinek, cjelinek@collegepossible.org, (531) 233-0005

    Website

    Application

     

    Creighton University TriO Talent Search Program

    Schools: All Omaha Public Schools, middle schools and high schools.Creighton University Trio Logo

    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: College preparation, graduate from high school and go on to post-secondary education, including certificate programs, 2 year and 4 year colleges and universities. We offer services in college preparation, college campus visits, financial literacy, personal development, career exploration, high school course selection, and cultural and social activities.

    Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12, low-income and potential first-generation college students, minimum of a 2.5 GPA.

    When Program Meets: During school, study hall, lunch, or advisement, program field trips and events take place on days when there is no school or on evenings and weekends.

    Point of Contact: Kim Stevens - Program Director, kimstevens@creighton.edu, (402) 280-2115

    Application (Please attach transcript (unofficial is fine) and student schedule to application.)

     

    Gateway to College

    Schools: Students from any Omaha Public Schools high school.MCC Gateway Logo

    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: Gateway to College is a nationally recognized scholarship and dual-credit high school diploma completion program. The program serves students ages 16–20 years of age who would like an educational setting that is individually tailored for student success. Students earn their high school diploma while progressing toward a college certificate or associate degree. Interested students participate in an application, admission and orientation process.

    Eligibility: Students in 11th or 12th grade, ages 16-20, at least 24 credits completed, GPA 1.0-2.3, students who would benefit from a different individualized setting, students who are ready to earn college credit, students with an 8th grade reading level, students with their own transportation, students interested in leaving their high school to attend classes on the MCC schedule and campus.

    Point of Contact: Katrina Brooks - Assistant Program Director, kbrooks@mccneb.edu, (531) 622-2482

    Website

    How to apply

     

    Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Nebraska

    JAG Logo

    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: JAG programming is conducted on-site during school hours. Trained Career Specialists work with JAG students to help them master 37 skills that will set them up for success in their future careers. Throughout the duration of the program, students build relationships with local employers, engage in project-based learning, develop leadership, civic and social responsibility through a student-led career association, and engage in career research that will lay the foundation for job opportunities after high school graduation.

    Eligibility: Students attending Buena Vista, Bryan, Benson, South, Northwest High Schools as well as Nathan Hale, Norris, Bryan, Marrs, McMillan, King Science and Monroe Middle Schools qualify.

    Point of Contact: JAG Nebraska Regional Manager - Becca Bradley, P: (402) 997-7012 C: (402) 637-7940

    Website

     

    Nebraska College Prepatory Academy (NCPA)

    NCPA Logo

    Schools: Bryan, North, South

    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: The Nebraska College Preparatory Academy (NCPA) is an innovative college access program that prepares academically talented, first-generation students for college and their future careers. NCPA scholars who successfully complete NCPA high school requirements have access to the support of a community of peers, academic support, and personal development opportunities throughout high school and college. NCPA college scholars also receive full financial assistance that covers the direct cost of attendance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which includes tuition, books, room and board, and fees.

    Eligibility:

    • Current 8th grade student whose parents never earned a four-year degree
    • Qualify for free or reduced-price lunch program or demonstrate income eligibility
    • Nebraska resident and U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
    • Will attend 9th-12th grade at Omaha North, Omaha, South, or Omaha Bryan High School
    • Has a B average or above in middle school classes especially math, science, social studies, and language arts
    • Commitment from parent/guardian
    • Prepared for Honors courses starting in 9th grade

    When Program Meets: NCPA has frequent meetings throughout the academic year that might include back-to-school meetings, financial promise discussions, and social activities - ranging from after-school and weekends. Additionally, NCPA scholars will participate in summer activities such as summer school and summer camps. NCPA students also take a class each semester during high school

    Point of Contact: Jena Mendoza, jmendoza2@unl.edu, (402) 309-6239
     
    Application Deadline: November 1st
     
     
     
     

    The Teen CenterThe Teen Center Logo

    School: Burke
     
    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered: Academics, Post-Secondary, Health and Wellness, Life Skills, STEAM, Arts and Culture, Student and Family Support Services
     
    When Program Meets: School Year Schedule - Monday–Friday from 3:05-6:00 
     
    Point of Contact: Julie Butler - Assistant Director of Finance and Operations, julie@teencenteromaha.org, (531) 233-9780
     
    Membership: Cassie Young - Assistant Director of Academics and Data, cassie@teencenteromaha.org, (531) 800-4929
     
     
     
     

    Urban League of Nebraska's Whitney Young Jr. Academy

    Schools: Benson, Central, North, NorthwestUrban League of Neb. Logo
     
    Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 who are interested in attending college/university and/or entering the workforce system
     
    Program Focus/Goal and/or Services Offered:: Preparing youth for college, work, and life through various educational and vocational activities and opportunities
     
    When Program Meets: varies
     
    Point of Contact: Brandy Clements - Coordinator, brandy.clements@urbanleagueneb.org, (402) 708-3933
     
    How to Apply: Contact Urban League of Nebraska at (402) 453-9730

     
    Updated October 2024