Careerockit Launches Again in 2018

Nebraska and Iowa’s largest, weeklong business/student collaborative learning initiative took place last month, creating 18,000 unique student experiences for more than 20 school districts, multiple universities and 140 organizations in six counties February 12-18.

Careerockit (careerockit.com), a no-cost program of the Greater Omaha Chamber, creates opportunities and bridges connecting the business and educational community in order to meet current and future talent needs. Participating organizations provide students and young adults with opportunities to move along the learning pipeline, gain applicable knowledge and build excitement for growing career options in their home communities.

Elementary through post-secondary students seeking engagement and information were paired with regional businesses and nonprofits. Experiences in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Pottawattamie and Washington counties were custom-tailored to meet students’ needs, and were available in a variety of industries, spotlighting a host of careers.

Now in its second year, Careerockit, which hosted 11,000 student experiences in 2017, has seen brisk program adoption by learners and businesses. Experiential learning – learning that helps build the kind of connections – is foundational to Careerockit and invites students to examine potential job paths, and assess career-readiness, through activities that transition theory into practice, spark curiosity and stimulate problem-solving.

Sponsors such as Avenue Scholars, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, Completely Kids and Metropolitan Utilities District, along with participating educators, students and organizations, helped fuel this year’s Careerockit (careerockit.com).