Advocacy Data Newsletter Press Release Professional Development The Collective Podcast | August 18, 2026

August 2026 News

Summer Fun Wrap Up

Collective for Youth facilitated over 16,500 individual admissions to 84 different types of programming at 27 destinations across Omaha. Students were able to develop their soccer skills with Future Kids Fitness, learn about farm animals and agricultural production with Gifford Farm, create and compete with their own Lego robots with Metro Community College, explore at the Luminarium, learn about important pieces of Omaha history at the Durham Museum, Great Plains Black History Museum, and Union Pacific Railroad Museum, and express their creativity with Hot Shops and El Museo Latino. Students were also able to explore the outdoors with fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, and ropes course opportunities through Lake Cunningham and NorthStar, learn about animals and animal habitats with Schramm Park, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, and Fontene lle Forest. The Summer Fun program is one of Collective for Youth’s largest collaborative projects with 27 host site organizations, over 50 youth serving sites, and two area bus companies.

United Way of the Midlands Awards $25,000 Grant to Collective for Youth for the Train to Gain Program

Omaha, Nebraska. Collective for Youth is pleased to announce it was recently awarded $25,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands.  Thanks to the generosity of the United Way donors, at least 250 youth professionals in the Train to Gain program will be able to participate in professional development and receive training in areas to enhance their listening skills, learn how to collaborate with others, resolve conflicts and solve problems. Staff in the youth serving fields will take their new found skills and advance within their job responsibilities or organization structure. To view the press release CLICK HERE.

School Supply Drive Recap

A huge thank you to everyone who made our recent supply drive an overwhelming success! Thanks to the incredible partnership of WOWT, Two Men and a Truck, and Gregg Young Chevrolet, and the immense generosity of our community, we collected almost 24,000 supplies for local afterschool nonprofits to distribute to students and families for the school year.
We also want to give a special shoutout to the more than 30 volunteers who joined us last week to count, sort, and repackage every single item for delivery. We are deeply grateful for your time, support, and dedication to helping local students succeed!

Growing Future STEM Leaders Through the EC2 STEM Grant

Collective for Youth is proud to celebrate the successful conclusion of the EC2 STEM Grant, made possible through the support of Beyond School Bells and the STEM Next Foundation. This unique opportunity was designed to help young adults strengthen their skills in STEM facilitation while building their professional capacity through targeted training, coaching, and hands-on experience delivering high-quality STEM programming.

Over the course of the grant, four outstanding young professionals successfully completed 120 hours of STEM-based facilitation and professional development, earning additional stipends while expanding their ability to create engaging learning experiences for youth. Their commitment reflects the power of investing in emerging leaders and strengthening the afterschool workforce pipeline.

We would like to recognize and congratulate:

Sophia Gillet (Kids Can)
Olivia Riera (Completely KIDS)
Trust Cavitt (DREAM)
Aaliyah Tha Bal (Science Sprouts)

Upon completion of the internship experience, each participant received a certificate of completion and a MakeDo Invent Kit to support continued STEM learning opportunities at their sites.

The impact of the program extends beyond completed hours and professional development. For many participants, the experience provided meaningful growth both personally and professionally. Reflecting on her journey, Aaliyah Tha Bal shared:

“This program has helped me in so many ways. It helped lessen financial pressure that came with running Science Sprouts, but more importantly it helped me grow as a person and as a professional. I’ve grown significantly in my confidence, especially when it comes to my leadership skills. I have learned a lot about myself, including my capabilities, weaknesses, and that I definitely want to pursue a career where I can make a positive impact on children. I’m truly grateful for the support and encouragement that I received throughout this experience. I will carry everything I have learned through this program with me as I continue growing Science Sprouts and pursue my goals.”

Stories like Aaliyah’s underscore the purpose of the EC2 STEM Grant: developing confident, capable young professionals who are prepared to inspire the next generation of learners. Through their dedication to STEM education, these four individuals have not only strengthened their own career pathways but have also expanded access to meaningful STEM experiences for youth across our network.

Congratulations, Sophia, Olivia, Trust, and Aaliyah! Thank you for your commitment to youth, STEM learning, and the future of our community. We look forward to seeing the impact you continue to make in the years ahead.

Leadership Bootcamp

Collective for Youth hosted “CFY Leadership Bootcamp Unplugged” a two-day leadership experience designed to support Site Directors in strengthening their confidence and effectiveness as leaders.
The bootcamp emphasized that leadership goes beyond managing the day-to-day responsibilities of an afterschool program. Sessions such as The Shift: From Managing Programs to Leading People, Leading Courageous Conversations, Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety, and Building a Team People Want to Be Part Of, participants explored how to build strong relationships, develop and empower staff, create a positive team culture, and provide opportunities for others to grow and lead.
The bootcamp concluded with “From Learning to Action,” where participants developed a 30-Day Leadership Action Plan and identified an intentional leadership commitment they will implement to strengthen their team, relationships, or program culture.

Oletha Harris
Site Director, Bancroft Elementary
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Nebraska Afterschool Conference Opportunity

The GetConnected 2026 Nebraska Afterschool Conference provides an opportunity to learn more about planning and implementing a quality afterschool or summer program. Sessions offered throughout the day target a variety of audiences including program leaders, program staff, teachers, school administrators, community partners, and others interested in afterschool and summer learning opportunities for children and youth.

Nebraska Afterschool Conference Awards

Do you know an Omaha afterschool program that has made remarkable strides or built powerful community connections this past year? Submit your nominations to two different awards by September 10, 2026 to help us celebrate these outstanding Nebraska leaders at this year’s conference! Nebraska Afterschool Conference – Nebraska Department of Education

SAVE THE DATE

September 25, 2026- Kearney, NE
GetConnected 2026 Afterschool Afterschool Conference