Tomorrow kicks off the beginning of the 2025 Step-Up Omaha program, continuing its 17-year tradition of equipping Omaha’s youth with meaningful summer employment experiences. With over 1,700 applicants, and roughly 700 youth and young adults participating, there is still time for local businesses and organizations to fulfill a much needed role as an employer site participant. Step-Up addresses the urgent need for early workforce development, particularly in high-poverty areas of Omaha.
The program will kick off with roughly 100 employer sites participating. Each site represents a range of industries—from healthcare and construction to tech and nonprofits. Employers consistently report a high return on investment. In 2024, 100% of employers who participated expressed willingness to partner again, citing excellent teamwork, professionalism, and growth among interns.
By hosting youth interns, employers receive more than temporary support—they play an active role in building Omaha’s future workforce, addressing equity gaps, and supporting career readiness for youth aged 14 to 21. Step-Up Omaha also provides coaching support to participants and ensures that employers are matched with prepared and motivated interns.
As a community initiative, Step-Up Omaha is organized by Empowerment Network (empoweromaha.com) and supported by a network of funders and employers, including, the American National Bank, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, CHI Health, City of Omaha, Cox Communications, Google, Mutual of Omaha, Nebraska Department of Economic Development and United Way of the Midlands. Additionally, Step-Up partners with the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program that seeks to positively shift outcomes for boys and young men of color through the implementation of evidence-based practices.
Interested employers can learn more at StepUpOmaha.com/employers.