A Joint Statement Regarding 21st Century Learning Center Grants

A Victory for Omaha Youth and Families, Thanks to Our Incredible Network!

The news we’ve been fighting for is finally here: the administration has committed to releasing the full funding for this year’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). This is a testament to what we can achieve when we stand together, and it’s a win for the thousands of children and families across Omaha and the State of Nebraska who count on high-quality afterschool programs.
We owe huge thanks to Senator Deb Fischer and Representative Don Bacon for their efforts and crucial support in seeing these funds restored. Their commitment to the future of our youth truly made a difference.
And to every single one of our stakeholders in this incredible network – every organization, every staff member, every parent, every community member who picked up the phone, sent an email, shared your stories, and amplified our message – THANK YOU. Your collective voice was powerful, undeniable, and instrumental in achieving this outcome.
While we as a network celebrate this monumental success, we know our work is far from over. This experience has been a stark reminder of how critical it is to continuously advocate for the resources we need to serve our young people.
Our focus now shifts to securing our funding for the 2026-2027 school year. The fight for sustained investment in afterschool programs begins today. The 21st CCLC funds have been eliminated in next year’s Department of Education budget.
We must continue to share, passionately and clearly, how afterschool is not just an add-on, but an essential component of a thriving community. Afterschool programs not only provide academic support and enrichment, but they are also a lifeline to our workforce, allowing parents to contribute fully to our local economy.
As a network, we are committed to being engaged and ready to champion this cause. Together, we stand ready to ensure that every child has access to the enriching afterschool experiences they deserve.
With appreciation and renewed purpose,

Summer Learning- That’s a Wrap!

The start of August closes out our summer programming. CFY and our partners served over 3,000 students this summer! CFY partners supported OPS’s Next Level Learning in June, and many extended their programming in July to offer students places to bond and experience all the fun Omaha has to offer.
Through our partnership with OPS, staff at four agencies were trained in implementing Literacy in a Flash to students K-2nd grade who need support with reading. All students who participated in this programming this summer saw growth in site word recognition! Staff plan to continue this in the school year, helping all students read on grade level by 2030. Partner staff were also able to support the Next Level Learning showcases where students presented their learning to the community. Seeing the proud staff and students showcase their work and talent was definitely a highlight of the summer.

The summer is definitely a time of collaboration, and we are so grateful to all our partners who come together to make opportunities for students! Special thanks to our 10 partner agencies, OPS Office of School Improvement, Curriculum and Instruction, and Research staff, OPS nutrition staff, and to Zum Bus company! We couldn’t do this without all of you!

“Our Youth, Our Future: A Community” Ignites Action for Omaha’s Youth

On June 26^th Collective for Youth and partners hosted an event, “Our Youth, Our Future: A Community Conversation”, that brought together policymakers and community leaders to champion the importance of youth development programs. The room filled to standing-room-only capacity, underscoring the community’s strong commitment to Omaha’s young people. Newly elected Mayor John Ewing Jr. kicked off the event, setting an inspiring tone for the discussions that followed.

The event featured two panel discussions that underscored the critical need for more support for youth development initiatives. The message throughout the morning was clear: investing in youth development is not just about individual success but about building a stronger, more vibrant, and prosperous Omaha for everyone.
The urgent call to action resonated with a plea for immediate action and vocal support. Collective for Youth and its partners invited attendees to join them on site visits, solidifying the message that sustained commitment, and collaborative partnerships are essential to ensure a brighter future for all of Omaha’s youth.

Backpack Drive:

The annual Back to School Supply Drive, a collaboration with WOWT, Texas Roadhouse at Shadow Lake, Two Men and a Truck, and Shadow Lake Town Center, was a huge success, collecting over 37,000 items this year. This is a shout out to our supportive partners and community. The supplies donated this year significantly surpassed the 2024 total, demonstrating what a generous community we have. Notably, donations for essential items like colored pencils, erasers, glue, notebooks, and pencils more than doubled, ensuring thousands of students are well-equipped for the upcoming school year. We even collected more backpacks, this year. The collective effort truly made a substantial impact on local youth and their successful start to the year.

Pickleball at Nathan Hale: A Summer Smash!

This summer, CFY brought the excitement of America’s fastest-growing sport—Pickleball—to the students of Nathan Hale Middle School. A class of 16 students participated in this engaging and energetic experience that blended fun, fitness, and foundational skills.
Throughout the session, students learned:
● The basic rules of Pickleball
● How to execute forehand and backhand shots
● The fundamentals of serving
● Strategies for partner play
The program culminated in a friendly tournament, giving students a chance to showcase their new skills in a spirited and supportive environment.
More than just a game, this Pickleball experience fostered interaction, teamwork, and engagement, offering youth a unique opportunity to connect through sport.
Interested in bringing Pickleball to your own program? CFY’s STEM Library has portable nets, paddles, and balls available for checkout. The best part? It’s a sport that can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a flexible and fun addition to any session!

Upcoming dates to remember

October 23, 2025- National Lights on Afterschool

Professional Development Opportunities- Register today!

September 2, 2025- Social Emotional Learning

September 5, 2025- STEM Facilitation

September 18, 2025- Third Thursday:Active Learning

September 26, 2025– 21^st Century CCLC Conference– Kearney Nebraska

October 7, 2025- Social Emotional Learning

October 16, 2025- Third Thursday: Ask, Listen, Encourage