Step-Up Omaha is kicking off its 2026 program with momentum and a clear invitation to the business community: help prepare Omaha’s next generation of leaders.
Step-Up Omaha has grown into one of the city’s most important youth employment and career training programs. Organized by the Empowerment Network (empoweromaha.com), the initiative connects young people ages 14 to 21 with paid summer jobs, internships and entrepreneurship opportunities. Step-Up has helped more than 9,000 young people gain meaningful work experience.
This year, participants can expect hands-on training and placements in fields such as construction, education, healthcare and technology. The 2026 program runs from June 2 through July 31, with interns earning $1,800 to $3,000 or more.
Raoul Djidjoho, a former Step-Up intern, shared how coaches helped turn an unpaid international nonprofit internship into a paid opportunity, leading to project management, communications leadership and work connected to projects in West Africa. Alumni work across the city in large corporations, including Union Pacific, small businesses, and non-profit organizations, with some now in leadership positions. Several alumni have also gone on to pursue entrepreneurship.
This year’s employer worksites include: American National Bank, Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering, CHI Health Immanuel, City of Omaha, UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific and many more.
Step-Up Omaha works because employers, sponsors and community partners step forward. Local companies are encouraged to host or sponsor interns. Get involved at StepUpOmaha.com.