Omaha, NE. Feb. 6 – The Greater Omaha talent pipeline is expanding, thanks to the Midwest’s largest weeklong career experience of its kind.
Careerockit, Nebraska and Iowa’s, annual business/student learning initiative, kicks off February 10-17. The seven-county endeavor creates more than 23,000 opportunities for students to explore future careers – good news for a region Uncubed reports as the fastest-growing tech boomtown in the U.S.
A program of the Greater Omaha Chamber, supporting sponsors and community partners, Careerockit pairs K-12 students with regional businesses and nonprofits. The goal: create career interest, grow the area’s talent pipeline and connect organizations with future employees.
Experiences in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, Pottawattamie and Washington counties are custom-tailored to meet students’ needs, spotlighting careers in a variety of industries and professions.
“The Careerockit program has given Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture an opportunity to engage with students at all levels, sharing how we can build our community together,” said Seraphim Mullins, human resources, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture. “The program’s mission aligns with our core values and commitment to people, community, and design – making the partnership a win. We can demonstrate how a career can serve the individual and the community and hope that the participants emerge as engaged citizens and passionate leaders.”
Research suggests exposure to career options should begin early in a child’s educational journey. A 2019 OnePoll survey, for example, showed parents believe career exploration should start by age five-and-a-half, with 75 percent of parents surveyed agreeing students should pursue a STEM/STEAM career.
“Indian Hill chooses to participate in the Careerockit experience because it gives our students an amazing opportunity to hear from and learn about interesting careers that they may not otherwise know about. Careerockit does a great job at matching us with knowledgeable and entertaining speakers who can introduce different career opportunities in an engaging and fun way,” said Whitney Galvan, third through sixth grade counselor at Indian Hill Elementary in Omaha.
With 22 school districts, and more than 200 businesses participating, David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber, said, “Careerockit is truly a collaborative effort, allowing every student an opportunity to focus on an exceptional career right here at home.”
Supporting Sponsors
Lozier, Metropolitan Utilities District
Community Partners
Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council | Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce | Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce | Gateway Economic Development Corporation | Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce | Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce | Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce | Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation
About Careerockit
A program of the Greater Omaha Chamber and supported by community partners, Careerockit creates connections between the business and educational community to meet current and future talent needs. Participating organizations provide students and youth with opportunities to gain knowledge and build excitement for career options in their home communities.
About the Greater Omaha Chamber
The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. This is accomplished by advocating for a strong business climate, creating opportunities for member visibility and business connections, pursuing investment and jobs for the region, strengthening leaders and the community and enhancing the region’s brand and image.###