The 2025 Step-Up Omaha (StepUpOmaha.com) initiative once again demonstrated the power of youth, community and collaboration in North Omaha. Presented by Empowerment Network, this year’s program celebrated its 17th year with record-breaking engagement and a showcase that highlighted the city’s next generation of leaders and creators.
More than 1,700 young people applied for internships, entrepreneurial training and career explorations. The culmination of their summer work was shown at the historic Lizzie Robinson Avenue site. More than 100 youth presented projects spanning technology, music production, videography, culinary arts and sports careers. The showcase was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when investment meets opportunity. The Step-Up program aligns with the broader vision of the Empowerment Network’s Transformation 2030. It’s an initiative that supports employment and economic growth from within our own community. With over 9,000 youth served since 2008, Step-Up Omaha continues to drive real impact in employment, education and entrepreneurship. Supported by a network of funders and partners, Step-Up is an investment in Omaha’s future. The initiative receives support from partners like the City of Omaha, the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and the Obama Foundation’s and My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance, a program that shifts outcomes for young men of color through the implementation of evidence-based practices, which address six MBK milestones, cradle to career, during a young person’s life. To learn more about Step-Up Omaha, visit (StepUpOmaha.com).