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Lincoln Resources

Getting the education you need in Lincoln

Standing on your own two feet after foster care doesn’t just happen automatically. And without a job that pays the bills, it won’t happen at all.

So how do you get a job that supports you? First, you have to get the education that employers demand. In Lincoln, there are a lot of ways for you to pay for college or access job training, depending on what you want to do. But first, you need a plan.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

Is a college degree something you’re interested in? Or are you really more focused on getting a strong start in the workforce right now? Your current situation and goals for the future will largely determine your plan. But knowing which track – college or work – will guide your choices about which resources you want to tap.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A 2-YEAR OR 4-YEAR EDUCATION

EducationQuest This organization has college planning offices in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha with resources that help students and parents:

  • Research colleges
  • Explore career options
  • Look for scholarships
  • Complete and file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  • Learn about student loans
    • All services are free and most are by appointment to provide you with one-on-one help. Find out more now.

Learn to Dream Lincoln Under this program, you can receive free tuition for 45 credit hours at Southeast Community College. You have 2 years to use these credits, so you can attend school full time (and use those credits in 1 year) or part time (and use the credits over 2 years). In order to be eligible, you must qualify for free or reduced lunch, must have graduated from Lincoln Public Schools, and must maintain a C average in your classes. Learn to Dream scholars have access to a support seminar about adjusting to college life. You’ll also have regular meetings with an advisor to make sure things are going OK. Learn more about this program now.

TRIO Student Support Services Students who receive comprehensive support services are more than 2 times as likely to stay in school. This program offers multiple services, including: TRIO is available at UNL, Southeast Community College and Doane College. TRIO programs are federally funded through the Department of Education. To qualify, you must be eligible for free and reduced lunch or the first generation in your family to attend college. You must also be a United States citizen. Funding is not provided beyond a period of 6 years.

  • Financial aid, scholarships and grants
  • Academic, career and personal counseling
  • An outreach counselor to help monitor your performance
  • Textbooks, laptops and graphic calculators for checkout
  • Personal tutoring and skills workshops

IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO GO TO SCHOOL ONLINE

  • For a listing of Nebraska online colleges click here. 
  • For information on how to pay for an online education click here.  
  • For information on how much online colleges cost click here. 

 

IF YOU WANT TO FINISH UP HIGH SCHOOL

GED Classes
Get your General Equivalency Diploma through The HUB. GED classes are offered Monday – Thursday from 9-11:00 A.M. or 1-3:00 P.M. Math focus classes are offered on Monday & Wednesday from 9 – 11:00 A.M. You may even be able to get help paying for GED exams.

GED courses are also offered through Southeast Community College at:

  • Energy Square in the Gold’s building downtown
  • The Saratoga Elementary School Community Learning Center
  • The Good Neighbor Community Center
  • The Center for People in Need

    • Call 402-437-2716 for more information.

    FOR HOMEWORK HELP
    Homework HelpNow provides free homework help and online tutoring for grades 3-12 in the areas of math, English, science, and social studies. Chat with a tutor through instant messaging from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, seven days a week. Spanish-speaking tutors are also available. Go to http://webpac.lincolnlibraries.org:2048/public/brainfuse.html to get started.

    IF YOU WANT JOB TRAINING Lincoln Bridges Project – Office Professional Training Offered at the Center for People in Need, this program leads to an office professional certificate, and create a pathway to college with credit courses at SCC. The Lincoln Bridges Project is a 10-week training course for low-income people. You’ll attend classes five days a week, from 8-3. At the end of the 10-week session, you’ll have 10.5 credit hours, and will be qualified for basic office positions – like a clerk, customer service representative, general administrative assistant, etc. Find out more now or contact Anita Schinstock via email or at 402-476-4357 ext. 187 for more information. Youth Employment and Support Services (YESS) YESS is funded through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and provides opportunities for youth (ages 14-21) to get on-the-job training and paid work experience. Educational opportunities available through WIA services include specialized classes that provide a certificate or license, college classes, books and fees that can be paid for if they lead to a certificate, diploma or degree. The classes and employment training must be completed in 30 months or less and must lead to a higher income or career advancement. WIA offers case managers to help you through the selection and participation in training and education. Find out more or contact the Nebraska Department of Labor – Office of Employment & Training at 800-833-7352. The program is dedicated to helping young adults complete their education and find employment. YESS helps participants improve their self-esteem, employability, career choices and self-sufficiency. Computer Classes You can get some basic computer training at:

    IF YOU’VE BEEN IN DETENTION/JUVENILE JUSTICE

    LEAP (Lincoln Education Academic Program)
    Offered at the HUB, this tutoring program is for young people who’ve had a stay in detention and are now wanting to get back into education. The LEAP program will attempt to connect the youth with teachers from the Pathfinder program who can provide academic assistance in a particular subject area in order to aid in their transition back into the youth’s home school. Find out more.

    Project HIRE (Helping Improve Readiness for Employment)
    This 16-week program is designed for youth ages 16-18 in need of employment skills, who have juvenile justice experience. It’s a complete job-readiness program that has three phases:
    1. Job readiness training
    2. Job searching
    3. An eight-week supervised employment phase

    Project HIRE meets Monday-Friday from 3:30 -5:30 P.M. Contact the HUB for enrollment information.