GROWING HOME
Connecting BIPOC students to the peopleand opportunities that will help shape
their career—in Omaha.
Expanding Horizons.
Deepening Roots.
When Omaha’s best and brightest seek higher education outside the state, we want to make sure we keep them connected to home. Growing Home is a mentorship program that helps students that identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color (BIPOC) build a professional network, find internships and explore careers in Omaha while they earn their degrees. With the connections students make through this program, they will be well positioned to start a career here in Omaha.
How it Works.
Apply
Applications for scholars and mentors are accepted in the spring of each year.
Get Matched
Our team will match scholars with mentors based on career interests.
Engage
Scholars participate in programs and receive mentorship throughout the school year.
What Scholars Can Expect.
Students receive professional development training and mentorship from Omaha professionals and will be connected to internship opportunities in Omaha over summer break. With the connections they make through this program, students will be well situated to start a career in Omaha after they graduate.
Students selected to participate in Growing Home must commit to full participation the various program activities, including:
- Regular communication with their mentor through the 24/25 academic year
- Attend career development and business visits during summer 2024
- Students will receive a stipend for successful participation in the program.
To be eligible, students must fulfill the following criteria.
- May 2024 graduate from an Omaha-area high school
AND
- Attend a higher education institution and identify as a part of the BIPOC community.
Applicants will be reviewed based on their academic and community involvement and thoughtful answers to the questions in the application. Please provide all requested documentation.
Please complete the student application by Friday, March 29, 2024, at 11:59 pm. If you have questions, contact Janique Hayes, Director for Inclusive Workforce Strategy, jhayes@omahachamber.org
What Mentors Can Expect.
Growing Home mentors share their professional experience with their mentees—helping students to develop connections with the Omaha business community while they are studying out-of-state. Each mentor will meet virtually with their mentee on a regular basis throughout the school year and have opportunities to connect in-person during summer break.
Mentors selected to participate in Growing Home must commit to full participation the various program activities, including:
- Meet monthly with your mentee for about an hour
- Complete an end-of-month mentee/mentor communication log
- Attend program onboarding and debrief meetings
Any Omaha professional with interest in diversity and inclusion who is willing to share their experience with a diverse student. Mentors are matched with scholars based on a mix of criteria, including areas of career interest and alumni status. If you are not matched to this round of students, we will keep your information on record for possible future matches.
Please complete the mentor application by March 29, 2024, by 11:59 pm.
If you have questions, contact Janique Hayes, Director for Inclusive Workforce Strategy, jhayes@omahachamber.org.
Growing Home 2022-2023
Kori Bullard, Lincoln University
Meet Kori
In 2022, Growing Home matched scholar Kori Bullard with mentor Mynesha Spencer (All of Us Together Co.)
“The Growing Home program is amazing. I was able to meet other students like myself and many that have the same goals that I do. I’ve maintained those relationships as well. I’ve been able to bounce ideas and current experiences off them.”
Meet DaNya
In 2022, Growing Home matched scholar DaNya Horne with mentor Christopher Tooley (Methodist Health System).
“This mentorship provided me the opportunity to meet with a health professional and my other minority peers to inspire me to work in the health field. All of the other members of the program I either went to highschool with or grew up with in the same town , it’s motivational to see representation of yourself in higher positions.”
DaNya Horne, Xavier University of Louisiana
Malachi O’Neal, Jackson State
Meet Malachi
In 2022, Growing Home matched scholar Malachi O’Neal with mentor Jai Williams (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
“I want to be Civil Engineer when I graduate college. Growing Home gives the option to explore different fields and environments that may surround these jobs. It is important to be connected. Growing Home will mentor you and make sure you are on the right track.”
About
This program is brought to you by Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity (CODE), a Greater Omaha Chamber program, with support from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.