GROWING HOME
Connecting students to the peopleand opportunities that will help shape
their career—in Omaha.
Expanding Horizons.
Deepening Roots.
Nurturing Omaha’s Untapped Talent Pipeline
Growing Home is a mentorship program designed for all of Omaha’s promising students—whether they’re pursuing education within Nebraska or beyond state lines. We believe in connecting local talent to local opportunities, ensuring students remain rooted in our community as they transition from education to their career.
Through the Growing Home program, students can:
- Build valuable professional networks in Omaha
- Secure meaningful internships and career experiences with local organizations
- Explore career opportunities within our thriving business community
For students attending institutions within Nebraska, the program strengthens their existing local connections and showcases the benefits of building their careers here after graduation. For those studying out-of-state, Growing Home maintains their ties to Omaha, creating pathways for their return.
By fostering these connections early, all students develop the relationships and insights needed to make Omaha their long-term professional home. Our program creates a seamless transition from education to career, keeping our homegrown talent where it belongs—right 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.
By joining Growing Home, students will receive:
- Professional Development Training: Gain valuable skills and knowledge directly applicable to today’s workforce
- One-on-One Mentorship: Connect with established Omaha professionals who provide guidance and industry insights
- Summer Internship Opportunities: Access exclusive internship positions with leading Omaha organizations during summer breaks
- Local Professional Network: Develop meaningful connections within Omaha’s business community
Students selected to participate in Growing Home must commit to full participation the various program activities, including:
- Regular communication with their mentor through the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Attend career development and business visits during Summer 2025.
- Students will receive a stipend for successful participation in the program.
To be eligible, students must fulfill the following criteria.
- May 2025 Graduate from an Omaha-area high school
AND
- Enroll in a postsecondary institution including 4-year universities, community colleges, and vocational schools.
Applications to the Growing Home program are evaluated based on a comprehensive review of each candidate’s qualifications. Our selection committee carefully assesses:
- Academic achievements and performance
- Community involvement and leadership experience
- Quality and thoughtfulness of responses to application questions
Please complete the student application by December 11, 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 serve as vital bridges between students and Omaha’s professional landscape. Through personalized guidance, our mentors:
- Share valuable professional experiences and industry insights
- Help students navigate career pathways while completing their education
The mentorship experience includes:
- Regular meetings (virtual or in-person, depending on location) throughout the academic year, allowing for consistent connection regardless of distance
- Ongoing support tailored to each student’s professional goals and interests
This structured relationship ensures students maintain strong ties to Omaha while developing the professional network necessary for a successful transition back to our community after graduation.
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 January 31, 2025, by 11:59 pm.
If you have questions, contact Janique Hayes, Director for Inclusive Workforce Strategy, jhayes@omahachamber.org.
Growing Home 2024-2025
Idaly Quiroz Tavizon, University of Nebraska – Omaha (Matched with Mentor LaJoy Green)
Meet Idaly
“Growing Home was a good opportunity to get out there, especially because I’m a shy person, I could meet a lot people and get more comfortable, and when I heard we were visiting jobs, it was a good idea for me to see my job be displayed and I liked it, so I’m going to go more further into it and continue my career”.
Meet Legacy
“I honestly really liked it, I’m so glad I did this. It made me really happy that there’s that an organization going into the community helping out people, and wanting to keep people’s talents in Omaha. I can attest to that because I’m here and there’s a lot of opportunities”.
Legacy Durham, Boston College (Matched with Mentor Natavia Jones)
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.