Lighting the way to life-changing careers.
Ignite Nebraska is a nonprofit breaking the cycle of generational poverty — with free training, real employer partnerships, and a Navigator by your side the whole way. Founded in Omaha, now expanding to Lincoln.
The Problem in Nebraska
of our applicants earn less than $30,000 a year when they come to us. In Nebraska, 35% of households — more than one in three — work full-time yet earn too much to qualify for public assistance and too little to cover the basics. The gap isn't ambition or work ethic. It's access. Ignite exists to close it.
Source: United Way ALICE Project, Nebraska County Data, 2024
The Ignite Journey
One life, unfolding.
Training opens the door. Support helps someone walk through it — from the first phone call to a career that lasts.
Recruit & Vet
Referred by a friend or partner, then matched for the right fit.
Up-Skill
Weeks of hands-on training building real, job-ready skills.
Navigator Support
Childcare, transportation, housing — handled before they derail progress.
Employer Partnership
Introduced to an employer who's guaranteed to meet them.
Career Secured
Support keeps going long after the offer — this is just the start.
Four Pathways, One Mission
Find your path forward.
Every pathway is free, Navigator-supported, and built around real, in-demand careers.
A 5-week career readiness accelerator covering professionalism, soft skills, and career fundamentals — for admin, HR, customer service, and banking roles.
Omaha & Lincoln Learn More →A CNA pathway in partnership with Methodist College, preparing candidates for direct placement into healthcare careers.
CNA Pathway Learn More →A 6-month paid IT apprenticeship through Bellevue University — Help Desk, Data Analytics, and Data Center Technician tracks.
Paid Apprenticeship Learn More →A trade apprenticeship referral model connecting candidates with skilled trades and public works careers.
Launching 2027 Coming SoonThe Return on Believing in People
What changes, when someone gets a chance.
Real Stories
Careers that changed everything.
"They made it easy to start fresh. I've always wanted to work in IT, but I was never given the opportunity — until now."
"Ignite Nebraska has followed through with their mission to transform potential into real opportunities."
Talent Is Everywhere. Opportunity Is Not.
Help us close the gap.
From a $1,500 Bridge Fund gift to a $40,000+ Catalyst sponsorship, your investment funds someone's next chapter — and helps break the cycle of generational poverty across Nebraska.