Step-Up Omaha, a collaborative program of the Empowerment Network, dedicated to providing career exploration, job opportunities, internships, and entrepreneurship avenues for youth and young adults aged 14-21, is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025 summer employment opportunity are now available. The application deadline is March 3.

Step-Up Omaha aims to connect youth and young adults with opportunities for career exploration, internships, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. Since its inception in 2008, Step-Up partners have introduced more than 9,000 young individuals to job training and career pathways. Wages for participants range from $10 to $14 or more per hour, depending on the worksite. Some employers offer interns the potential to earn as much as $3,000 or more during the summer.

The Empowerment Network and its partners have collaborated successfully to present Step-Up Omaha for 17 years, underscoring the commitment to comprehensive youth development. This year’s program is scheduled to run from Monday, June 2 to Friday, Aug. 1.

“As a Step-Up intern, I learned the value of showcasing my talents as a professional,” said Alona Wilson, intern, Heartland ABA. “Within my role as an intern, I learned about various positions and departments, including worker’s comp, employee data analyzing, and account management. Gaining experience in these areas has helped me expand my knowledge base and ultimately prepare me for my dream career in the medical field.”

Step-Up Omaha is a collaborative effort supported by major funders, including the City of Omaha, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development/State Senators LB531, the Obama Foundation and United Way of the Midlands.

“Step-Up Omaha offers our youth the chance to gain invaluable skills and experiences that shape their futures,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder, Empowerment Network. “It shows our talented youth what is possible in their own hometown.”

Press Conference:  KETV

During a recent press conference, Jonathan Chapman, vice president, community collaboratives, Empowerment Network, stated “Our focus is going to be on expanding our partnerships. We’re excited to begin welcoming new partners to the table to begin adapting the program to fit more unique circumstances.”

How to Get Involved
-Youth and Young Adults: Apply online at StepUpOmaha.com to explore career opportunities, receive job training, and develop professional skills.

-Employers: Interested in hosting a Step-Up participant? Visit StepUpOmaha.com/employers to learn more.

“Step-Up Omaha continues to be a cornerstone program for our city, providing invaluable opportunities for our youth to explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and develop leadership skills,” said Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. “This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration between government, businesses, and community organizations. By investing in our young people today, we’re building a stronger, more prosperous Omaha for tomorrow.”

Step-Up Omaha is supported by a collaborative 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 Omaha partners with the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, seeks to positively shift outcomes for boys and young men of color here in Omaha through the implementation of evidence-based practices, which address six MBK milestones, cradle to career, during a young person’s life.

Step Up Omaha is also supported by the following partner agencies: Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Every Youth Can Excel, Girls Inc., Hope Center for Kids and Urban League of Nebraska, as well as their educational partners at Metropolitan Community College and Omaha Public School District.

The Empowerment Network leads the work of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in Omaha (MBK Omaha) as part of a national, cross-sector call-to-action focused on building safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color.

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About Step-Up Omaha
Step-Up Omaha is a program dedicated to providing career exploration, job opportunities, internships, and entrepreneurship avenues for youth and young adults aged 14-21 in Omaha, Nebraska. Since its inception in 2008, Step-Up Omaha has connected thousands of young individuals with valuable job training and career pathways.

About the Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the Empowerment Network strives to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in the City of Omaha and other national communities.

Shop, Play, Eat, Sing, and Celebrate! 

The Empowerment Network’s 14th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from Noon to 5 PM – was a magical day filled with festive fun for the entire family!

Presented by the Empowerment Network and Omaha Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with dozens of 24th & Lake Partners, Christmas in the Village is a one of one-of-a-kind cultural celebration and the largest holiday event in North Omaha, drawing over 10,000 visitors from across the region!

From the dazzling arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage to the lively entertainment, holiday shopping, and delicious eats – this is the holiday event of the year for North Omaha!

• Christmas in the Village kicks-off with Santa and Mrs. Claus plus all your favorite cartoon characters!

• Live performances by local artists, choirs, and dancers.

• A live nativity scene with real animals (yes, there was a camel there).

• Free carriage rides, toys, face painting, and balloon art!

• Over 30 vendors in the heated Holiday Boutique tent, perfect for holiday shopping.

• Visit the Grinch at Ital Vital Living!

• Delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks!

Attendees enjoyed the holiday boutique, the music, and the family-friendly activities.

Plus, businesses in the district offer special discounts and holiday treats.

Make this your new holiday tradition! With over 70 businesses, organizations, and artists coming together, this will be the BIGGEST and BEST Christmas in the Village yet.  The date for 2025 is Saturday, December 7th!

Eric Thomas was the featured speaker at the Empowerment Network’s 17th Annual African-American Leadership Conference held at the CHI Health Center Omaha & Hilton Omaha Downtown.

Thomas is a New York Times best-selling author, educator, motivational guru and international business phenomenon.

Thomas, widely recognized as a leading voice in motivational speaking, will bring his dynamic energy and transformative insights back to Omaha, where he will inspire attendees with a message of empowerment, self-assessment and consistent execution. His proven approach to personal and professional growth has made him a trusted consultant to Fortune 500 companies, NBA and NFL teams, and educational institutions worldwide.

The AALC was designed to empower and uplift the African American community by focusing on critical components essential to personal and professional growth. This is done through expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and targeted workshops. This conference aims to provide attendees with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance attendees’ careers, improve their health, expand their businesses, and engage more deeply in their communities.

Past conference keynote speakers have included: Earvin Magic Johnson, entrepreneur and hall of fame athlete; Teddy Riley, grammy award winning artist, Soledad O’Brien, broadcast journalist and executive producer; Dr. Randal Pinkett, speaker and media personality; and Adewale Adeyemo, president, Obama Foundation, along with prominent local Omaha business executives and community leaders.

“I was honored to be welcomed back to Omaha by the Empowerment Network as the keynote speaker for the African American Leadership Conference,” said Thomas. “This event is a powerful platform where leaders can ignite their passions, build on their strengths, and take intentional steps towards success. I plan to leave attendees feeling empowered, with actionable strategies to elevate both their personal and professional lives.”

Additional topics include: maintaining mental and physical health, powerful storytelling, world-class nonprofit management and leadership, and innovations in education and youth development.

In addition to the keynote and breakout sessions, the AALC hosts the Revive Black Business Expo, featuring local entrepreneurs and businesses, offering a platform for networking, exposure, and economic development.

The conference was supported by key sponsors and strategic partners, including:

American National Bank, Charles Lakin Foundation, CHI Health, Mutual of Omaha, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Omaha Public Power District, Revive! Omaha, and Weitz Family Foundation.

Supported by the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBK Alliance), a program of The Obama Foundation, the Empowerment Network is committed to building safer environments for all residents by increasing educational and career success while reducing violent crime. These efforts are seen through programs like Omaha 360, Step Up Omaha and the AALC.

The MBK Alliance seeks to shift outcomes for boys and young men of color through strategic programming, which addresses six critical milestones, cradle to career, during a young person’s life. This work also expands the implementation of evidence-based practices and impact across the MBK Milestones in communities across the country. The MBA Alliance leads a cross-sector national call-to-action focused on creating supportive communities for boys and young men of color, ensuring they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunities.