As a reminder, EPS high school students are allowed to use their Career Exploration Day for one (1) day of the following events.
October 31, 2025 - May 1, 2026 (Once a month meetings.), Aviation STEM-ATP Pilot Track or STEM-Aligned Aviation Careers: In 2023, Aviation STEM AHA launched a transformative program for Burke High School juniors and seniors aspiring to become ATP-certified pilots—the coveted left seat in the cockpit. While early exposure through programs like EAA Young Eagles, Boy Scouts, and youth flight experiences often sparks the dream, the path to becoming an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) can be derailed by medical or financial hurdles, with training costs ranging from $125,000 to $175,000--little of which has available scholarship opportunities.
This program helps students navigate those challenges early. We encourage participants to obtain a third-class medical certificate to identify any potential limitations and begin informed conversations about their future. Alongside medical readiness, students are introduced to the training rigors of solo flight and the realities of aviation careers.
Program Overview
Monthly Off-Campus Meetings over Lunch 11:30am to 1:00pm
Faculty-Selected Participants + 2 Burke Faculty Members Attending--open to other Junior. & Senior students from any high school or home school.
Focus: ATP Pilot Track or STEM-Aligned Aviation Careers
A&P Mechanics
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering
Meteorology
Flight Planning
Air Traffic Control
Airport Management
Each monthly session features:
A primary speaker on the topic of the month (See Chart Link Below)
A recent ATP pilot sharing their personal journey and challenges
Volunteer support for scholarship, college, and internship applications
Click here to see the 2025–2026 Program Schedule. This Program is Free!
If you would like to participate in this off-campus program, please contact Brian Walker at Brian.Walker1@OPS.org or call 855-629-9997 or Hague Howey at Haugue.Howey@AviationstemAHA.org or call 402.510.3528.
April 10-13, 2026, IncluCity Leadership Camp: IncluCity is a transformative program designed to bring together up to 75 high school-aged youth from Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa. Set at a retreat center outside of Omaha, participants stay in dorm-style lodging with three meals provided daily, accommodating various dietary needs. Inclusive Communities arranges transportation to and from the camp on a chartered bus, with predetermined school drop-off sites for convenience. Click here to learn more and apply if interested!
April 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 pm., Nebraska Attorney General's Youth Conference: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is inviting high school Juniors and Seniors to participate in the Nebraska Attorney General’s Youth Conference. This is a select event where you get a behind-the-scenes look at how the legal system works in our state. This event will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Nebraska State Capitol (Lincoln, NE).
A limited number of high school juniors and seniors from across the state will be selected to attend. Conference attendees will discuss and debate current issues, hear from AGO Bureau Chiefs, expand their understanding of the legal process in Nebraska, and eat lunch at the Governor’s Residence. Additional information can be found in this video and at the Attorney General's website..
How to Apply:
Download the application.
Complete the essay.
Submit your application as a PDF or Word Document to the Attorney General's office. Details in this attachment.
The deadline to submit your application is March 1, 2026.
If you have questions, please contact Heather Buell Lostroh at heather.buell@nebraska.gov.
May 1, 2026 (FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE), The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now accepting applications for a summer learning opportunity for high school students. The Raikes School is hosting its tenth year of “Innovate: The Raikes School Way,” led by Raikes School Faculty Members Dr. Steve Cooper and Dr. Seth Polsley. The summer camp was highlighted by Forbes in 2019 and continues to provide high-quality computer science education to interested students!
During the two-week, overnight camp students will:
Develop core programming skills and learn innovation concepts through a project-oriented curriculum.
Receive instruction from Raikes School faculty members and experience what classes can be like in the Raikes School.
Visit campus research labs and local employer partners.
Interact with Raikes School students and staff, all of whom play a key role in the competitive selection process to our program each year.
Key Details:
Innovate: The Raikes School Way is a great opportunity for high school students, with priority given to students in the high school graduating class of 2027.
The camp serves students with little to no experience in computing, as well as those looking to enhance their existing computer science skills.
Students in the graduating class of 2028 will be accepted on a space-available basis.
The camp will be held at the Kauffman Academic Residential Center, home of the Raikes School, in the heart of Nebraska's City Campus from July 19-August 1, 2026.
The fee to participate is $3,000. Students attending a Nebraska high school will receive a $1,000 discount, lowering the cost to $2,000 for Nebraska high school students. The cost covers all housing, meals, instruction, and activities associated with the camp.
Full and partial scholarships are available - students can apply for scholarships through the Summer Camp application.
Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 - Students who submit their application by this priority date will be notified of admission & scholarship decisions by April 13, 2026. Click HERE to learn more and apply today!
Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after May 1 as space is available. Click HERE to learn more and apply today!
May 25, 2026 (APPLICATION DEADLINE), High School Science Academy with Nebraska Wildlife Rehab is now taking applicants for the 26-27 school year! We are a free, career literacy conservation program for juniors and seniors (school year 26-27) in Omaha. You can learn more here.
Interested students should complete our application form, and also fill out a teacher referral at your convenience. Both of these things are due May 25th (a departure from our previous due dates in late summer!!)
May 31 to June 6, 2026, Cornhusker Boys & Girls State: Leadership opportunity for All Juniors! Are you interested in leadership, government, or simply making your voice heard? We are looking for high school juniors to represent our school at the 2026 Cornhusker Boys and Girls State sessions!
🗓️ Event Details
When: May 31 – June 6, 2026
Where: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)
🏛️ What is Cornhusker State?
This is not your average summer camp. It’s a week-long immersion where you will:
Create a "miniature state" from the ground up.
Run for office, debate legislation, and participate in mock trials.
Visit the Nebraska State Capitol and meet current state leaders.
Compete for prestigious scholarships, including the $1.25 million Samsung American Legion Scholarship.
📝 How to Apply
Selection is based on leadership, character, and academic standing. See your counselor by February 2nd to express interest and pick up an application.
Don’t miss out on "the week that shapes a lifetime!" Quick Facts for You:
Eligibility: Must be a current high school junior.
Selection: EPS juniors fill out an application and then there is an interview process.
Benefits: Beyond the experience, being a "Citizen" of Boys or Girls State is highly regarded by college admissions officers and military academies.
June 1 to July 10, 2026, Next Gen AI Studio-UNO: This innovative program is designed to introduce high school students to artificial intelligence through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Instead of simply learning about AI, students will actively create their own AI-powered applications and solutions! See student videos here!
What will students learn? Through a combination of creative projects, collaborative challenges, and expert guidance, students will gain skills that bridge technology and entrepreneurship:
Understand AI fundamentals
Develop computational thinking skills
Create their own AI-powered applications and solutions
Present their AI project to companies for possible collaboration
What will students receive at the conclusion of the program?
AI certificate
Applications are now open; there is limited priority of financial assistance. Click here to learn more and register today!
Application deadline is March 30, 2026!
June 2026 (See specific dates below.) Discover Transportation Engineering and Tracks to the Future: These programs are designed to inspire students to explore careers in engineering through engaging, hands-on activities and unique learning opportunities.
Program Highlights:
Discover Transportation Engineering: Introduces students to transportation engineering, showcasing how professionals design and maintain systems that move people and goods efficiently and sustainably.
Tracks to the Future: Focuses on railway engineering, giving students insight into this critical transportation asset, its efficiency as a mode of transportation, and its essential role in intermodal transportation.
What Students Will Experience:
Learn from practicing engineers about their work.
Tour offices, construction sites, or rail yards to see engineering in action.
Engage in hands-on activities to solve real-world problems.
Experience life on the UNL campus by staying in the newest dormitory, dining in campus facilities, and exploring Lincoln.
More Details & Registration Links:
Discover Transportation Engineering, June 3-5, 2026
Tracks to the Future, June 24-26, 2026
If you have any questions or need further details, please don’t hesitate to emain Annie Myers (amyers27@unl.edu).
June 7; June 14-16; and July 12-14, 2026, University of South Dakota's Beacom School of Business Camps: USD is hosting three (3) business camps this summer for students in grades 9-12. Click HERE to learn more!
Business Immersion Bootcamp
Sunday, June 7th
One day only from 1pm-6pm at USD-Sioux Falls
Dinner for campers and families from 6pm-7pm
All students are invited; we will feature majors that can be completed at the USD-Sioux Falls campus
$25 fee
Business Academy
Sunday, June 14th – Tuesday, June 16th
2 nights stay in Vermillion
All students are invited
All business majors will be featured
$100 fee
Summer Accounting Institute
Sunday, July 12th – Tuesday, July14th
2 nights stay in Vermillion
Accounting Intended / Interested students are invited
Only the Accounting major is featured
$100 fee
July 6-10, 2026, UNL's Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute: Are you interested in agriculture, leadership, and networking? Applications are now open for the 55th annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI).
NAYI is a summer program that will be held July 6-10, 2026, on UNL’s East Campus. The program is free of charge for the students selected to attend.
How to Apply:
Eligibility: You must be a current high school junior or senior.
Application Link: Apply online: APPLICATION by April 15th.
Recommendation Requirement: As part of your application, you will need an adult to submit a recommendation form on your behalf. This form is also located on the NAYI website and must be submitted by the April 15th deadline. Please give your recommender plenty of notice!
Important: Confirming Your Application After you submit your application online, you should receive two confirmation emails:
An immediate automated email from Google Forms with a copy of your responses (save this for your records).
A confirmation email from a @nebraska.gov address within 1 to 2 business days.
If you do not receive these emails, your application was not successfully received. You must email agr.youthcouncil@nebraska.gov before the deadline to resolve the issue. If you have any questions please reach out to NAYI contact using the information below:
Christin Kamm
Communications Director | ADMINISTRATION
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
OFFICE 402-471-6856
CELL 402-440-7251
christin.kamm@nebraska.gov
July 19-August 1, 2026, Raikes Computer Science Summer Camp: The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is now accepting applications for a summer learning opportunity for high school students. The Raikes School is hosting its tenth year of “Innovate: The Raikes School Way,” led by Raikes School Faculty Members Dr. Steve Cooper and Dr. Seth Polsley. The summer camp was highlighted by Forbes in 2019 and continues to provide high-quality computer science education to interested students!
During the two-week, overnight camp students will:
Develop core programming skills and learn innovation concepts through a project-oriented curriculum
Receive instruction from Raikes School faculty members and experience what classes can be like in the Raikes School
Visit campus research labs and local employer partners
Interact with Raikes School students and staff, all of whom play a key role in the competitive selection process to our program each year
Key Details:
Innovate: The Raikes School Way is a great opportunity for high school students, with priority given to students in the high school graduating class of 2027.
The camp serves students with little to no experience in computing, as well as those looking to enhance their existing computer science skills.
Students in the graduating class of 2028 will be accepted on a space-available basis.
The camp will be held at the Kauffman Academic Residential Center, home of the Raikes School, in the heart of Nebraska's City Campus from July 19-August 1, 2026.
The fee to participate is $3,000. Students attending a Nebraska high school will receive a $1,000 discount, lowering the cost to $2,000 for Nebraska high school students. The cost covers all housing, meals, instruction, and activities associated with the camp.
Full and partial scholarships are available - students can apply for scholarships through the Summer Camp application.
Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 - Students who submit their application by this priority date will be notified of admission & scholarship decisions by April 13, 2026.
Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after May 1 as space is available.
Interested students can find more details and complete the application HERE! If you have any questions about the camp, please email Theresa Arneal at tluensmann2@unl.edu.
July 27-30, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Accounting Adventures™ Overnight Camp: Scheduled for July 27 at 9:00 a.m. to July 30 at 4:00 p.m. at Mammel Hall, home of the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration. Summer camps are free of charge!
The camp offers a three-night stay in UNO’s Scott Campus Dorms and introduces high school students to accounting careers through hands-on activities, field trips, and interactions with faculty, community business leaders, and employers who hire UNO accounting grads.
Students can click HERE to register today! Questions? Contact Roopa Venkatesh, Ph.D., CMA, director of UNO’s School of Accounting at 402-554-3062 or rvenkatesh@unomaha.edu.
SAVE THE DATE, September 29, 2026, Younes Conference Center North, Kearney, NE, 2026 Nebraska Govenor's Youth Summit: The Governor’s Youth Summit provides Nebraska students the opportunity to connect directly with employers and industry leaders from across the state. Students can explore postsecondary and career pathways, build their professional networks, and learn about internships, work-based learning experiences, and other opportunities available with Nebraska employers. Learn more at Youth Summit | Governor's Summit and sign-up today!
The AIM Institute is a nonprofit organization with a mission to grow, connect, and inspire the tech talent community through education and career development. AIM has fostered the growth of Omaha’s tech sector for more than 30 years.
AIM helps fill the growing need for skilled workers in technology roles by providing training, education, and connections to empower tech professionals to enter and grow in the tech workforce. At AIM, we believe that creating a more diverse and equitable tech workforce is critical to community success. Through scholarships and financial aid, AIM removes barriers to tech education and increases access to technology careers.
Whether through Code School, Youth in Tech, Leadership Academies, AIM’s annual conferences, or Silicon Prairie News, AIM’s goal is to excite people about technology, inspire them to pursue a tech career, and help them navigate the tech career continuum.
Click here to see upcoming events and register today!
Metropolitan Community College 2025-2026 Career & Technical Education Events: Click here to learn more and save the dates!
Omaha STEM Ecosystem and AIM Institute announced the launch of the FREE online STEM Community Platform, presented by Cox. The mission of the STEM Community Platform is to connect youth, parents, educators and professionals to an online hub of high-quality STEM programs, resources and events. The website offers easy functionality for the user to find kids camps, career listings in STEM career fields and informational resources for elementary aged children to adults.
Opera Omaha-Student Dress Rehearsals: Going beyond the ordinary field trip experience, Student Dress Rehearsals at Opera Omaha offer students a deep, meaningful encounter with many of the elements that bring the productions to the stage and a chance to see how a show is fine-tuned while watching many of the professional artists, technicians and managers in action.
Dress rehearsals are a great opportunity for students to experience an opera performance and see artisans at work before the show opens to the public. We are privileged to be able to offer our students and chaperones this amazing opportunity for FREE. More information is available here!
ServSafe-Food Safety Training & Certification Program: ServSafe is the food service industry's premier food safety trining and certification course. It is recognized by more federal, stae, and local health jurisdictions than an other food safety training program in teh United States. Click HERE for course dates and additional details.
Note: Career Awareness opportunities during school hours are not excused as school activities,
unless special permission is given such as an approved class field trip or combined with an approved college visit/Career Exploration Day.