Celebrating 20 years of collaboration and impact, the Empowerment Network (empoweromaha.com) continues to connect Omaha residents to career opportunities and pathways to economic mobility through its signature initiatives: Step-Up Omaha and Skill-Up Omaha.
Step-Up Omaha kicked off its 2026 summer employment initiative on June 2 and is now in its 18th year. Founded in 2008 by the Empowerment Network in partnership with the City of Omaha, it serves youth ages 14 to 21 through paid work experience, career readiness training, internships and year-round development.
The need continues to grow. In 2025, Step-Up Omaha received a record 1,842 applications and enrolled 611 participants. Since its launch, the initiative has served nearly 10,000 youth.
Skill-Up Omaha serves residents ages 21 and older who are ready to increase income and build generational wealth. The six-month initiative includes career coaching, personalized assessments, short-term training, certifi cations and wrap-around support such as transportation, health services and financial empowerment. In June, Skill-Up celebrated the graduation of its second cohort.
“Change starts with truth,” said Diablo William, a 2026 Skill-Up graduate. “They give you the opportunity to experience what you truly want to experience, whether it’s a career, your own business or something bigger.”
Together, both initiatives are helping residents take the next step toward economic mobility. Local businesses still have opportunities to participate in Step-Up as employers or sponsors. Visit stepupomaha.com/employers for more information.
To learn more about Skill-Up and apply for the next cohort, visit empoweromaha.com.