Connecting Students to Careers and Community in Omaha
Expanding Horizons. Deepening Roots.
Growing Home is a mentorship and workforce development program that connects college students with professionals and employers across Greater Omaha. The goal is simple: help local students build a professional network, gain real-world experience, and launch fulfilling careers—right here at home.
Whether students are attending college in Nebraska or out-of-state, Growing Home creates a strong bridge back to Omaha’s business community. The program is open to students and mentors alike.
About Growing Home
Know a business that’s making an impact? We want to hear about them. The nomination process is simple, and anyone can submit. You can even nominate your own business.
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.
For Students
Build a career where you belong.
Growing Home gives you the tools and connections to grow professionally while staying grounded in the Omaha community. If selected, you’ll join a network of peers and professionals dedicated to helping you succeed.
As a Growing Home Scholar, you’ll receive:
- One-on-one mentorship with an Omaha-based professional
- Professional development training and career-readiness workshops
- Internship opportunities with local companies during the summer
- A stipend for successful program participation
- Long-term access to Omaha’s business network
Program Details:
Students selected to participate in Growing Home must commit to full participation in the various program activities, including:
- Regular communication with their mentor through the academic year.
- Attend career development and business visits during the summer
- Students will receive a stipend for successful participation in the program.
Eligibility
To be eligible, students must fulfill the following criteria;
- Graduate from an Omaha-area high school
AND
- Enroll in a postsecondary institution including 4-year universities, community colleges, and vocational schools.
Application Process
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 - If you have questions, contact Janique Hayes, Director for Inclusive Workforce Strategy, jhayes@omahachamber.org
For Mentors
Be the connection that helps someone grow.
Growing Home mentors support the next generation of Omaha talent. If you’re a professional committed to sharing your experience and helping students navigate their career paths, this is your chance to give back in a structured and meaningful way.
Mentors provide:
- Regular virtual or in-person meetings with their scholar
- Industry insights, personal perspective, and career guidance
- A reliable touchpoint throughout the academic year
Who can apply:
Any professional in the Omaha metro area with a passion for mentorship and inclusive workforce development.
Program Details:
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
Application Process
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.
Why it Matters
Keeping Omaha’s Talent in Omaha
Growing Home helps students envision a future here. Whether they grew up in Omaha or are new to the city, the program helps participants build long-term roots through relationships, experiences, and real-world insight into local careers.
“I’m so glad I did this. It made me happy that there’s an organization helping people and wanting to keep talent in Omaha. There are a lot of opportunities here.”
“Growing Home was a good opportunity to get out there, especially because I’m a shy person. I met a lot of people, visited job sites, and now I feel more confident continuing my career.”
