Scholarships and Internships

09/04/2026

Nebraska students can explore the science behind skilled trades through a new hands-on program available to schools at no cost!

The Edgerton Explorit Center, Central Community College and 6 Regions, One Nebraska have launched Trades on the Move through the Ken Wortman Trades Science Program. Designed for students in grades 3–8, the mobile program combines science, engineering, problem-solving and career exploration while introducing students to careers in:

🔧 Construction and carpentry
⚡ Electrical trades
🚗 Automotive and diesel technology
🤖 Manufacturing and robotics
🌡️ HVAC and energy systems..and more!

Nebraska schools can schedule free live demonstrations or hands-on learning labs beginning this fall.

Educators, learn more and schedule a program:

Ken Wortman Trades Science Program The Edgerton Explorit Center is excited to introduce our Ken Wortman Trades Science Program, an innovative hands-on educational program that combines science, engineering, problem-solving, and career exploration to introduce students to the skilled trades. Why Trad...

09/02/2026

Early-career professionals and students: The Shift Summit is coming to Omaha on September 18.

This one-day experience is designed to help participants build connections, strengthen creative problem-solving skills, and explore how their ideas and perspectives can contribute to the future of our community and workforce.

The summit will feature interactive workshops, local innovators and leaders, an Executive Innovation Panel facilitated by Mayor John Ewing Jr., and opportunities to connect across industries.

📅 Friday, September 18
🕥 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
📍 The Commonwealth, Omaha

Students can attend for free.

Learn more and register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987290112222/?discount=AFS

Thanks to Mishala Lewis and the team behind The Shift Summit for creating another opportunity for emerging talent to learn, connect, and contribute.

06/26/2026

This fall, Central Community College is hosting a series of free employer engagement events on the Columbus Campus designed to help businesses connect directly with students and strengthen workforce partnerships in the region.

These events create valuable opportunities to build relationships, recruit emerging talent, and showcase the services and career pathways available within your organization.

Here’s what’s coming up:

📍 Part-Time Job & Community Resource Fair
📅 September 2, 2026 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Connect with students seeking part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved in their community.

📍 Full-Time Job Fair – Columbus
📅 October 22, 2026 | ⏰ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Recruit students across multiple program areas including Agriculture Science, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Information Technology, Mechatronics, and Welding.

📍 Mechatronics Job Fairs
📅 September 3 & November 18, 2026 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Focused opportunities to connect directly with first- and second-year Mechatronics students.

These events are a great way to build connections, strengthen your workforce pipeline, and invest in the future of your community.

06/24/2026

An Aksarben scholarship is more than financial support, it’s an investment in future leaders.

In this student spotlight, we hear firsthand how the Aksarben Scholarship has helped open doors, ease financial stress, and create opportunities for growth both in and outside the classroom.

Stories like these remind us why supporting students matters. When we invest in education, we invest in Nebraska’s future.

🎥 Hear how the Aksarben Scholarship has made an impact and why access to opportunity can change everything.

06/23/2026

What a day at the Aksarben Summer Baseball Mixer! ⚾️

We brought together students, interns, young professionals, employers, and community leaders for an afternoon full of networking, new connections, and College World Series fun.

From meeting professionals and exploring career opportunities to making new friends and building connections, the mixer was a reminder of how powerful it can be when Nebraska’s next generation comes together with the people and organizations investing in their future.

A huge shoutout to Aksarben interns Litzy Morales and Shohina Sultonova for helping make it all happen! Litzy led volunteer coordination, Shohina led fundraising efforts, and together they played a major role in bringing the event to life. From problem-solving behind the scenes to helping create a welcoming space for everyone, they showed what strong student leadership looks like.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported the event. And a special thank you to our presenting sponsor FNBO and all event sponsors including Kiewit, Scott Data Center, Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, Alvine, Koley Jessen, Shyft Solutions, and Cordova for investing in Nebraska’s emerging talent.

The future workforce is here and it’s looking bright. 🌟

05/29/2026

Our team is ready for the Aksarben Foundation Summer Baseball Mixer. Are you?

Join us Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill during the College World Series for an afternoon of food, networking, and connection.

This free event brings together community leaders, students, and professionals to celebrate Nebraska’s commitment to education, workforce development, and career pathways that help the next generation live, work, and thrive here.

Come connect with us, meet new people, and enjoy one of Omaha’s favorite weekends of the year.

Register today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nebraskatechcollab/event/afsbmc/

05/27/2026

The best opportunities often start with a conversation.

Whether you’re a student exploring your future, a young professional growing your network, or an employer looking to connect with emerging talent, relationships matter.

Join us at the 2026 Aksarben Foundation Summer Baseball Mixer for an afternoon of networking, food, drinks, and College World Series fun with professionals from across Nebraska’s tech and business community.

⚾ Saturday, June 13
⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Old Mattress Factory Outdoor Tent

🎟️ Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nebraskatechcollab/event/afsbmc/

05/21/2026

Making connections and networking is one of the most important things in any professional setting.” — Jimena Riojas

As a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha preparing to graduate in December 2026, Jimena Riojas has already built an impressive foundation through her leadership, community engagement, and passion for helping others succeed.

Currently serving as both a Career Advising Intern at UNO and a Community Engagement Intern at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, Jimena’s work focuses on supporting students, strengthening community relationships, and creating meaningful professional connections. From helping students prepare for internships and employment opportunities to coordinating volunteer and networking events, her experiences have shown the value of mentorship, collaboration, and relationship-building in professional spaces.

🎧 Keep an eye out for an upcoming podcast episode featuring Jimena as we discuss networking, career growth, and the importance of building connections that support both personal and professional success.

05/15/2026

Not sure where to start your career? Apprenticeships offer a way to gain real experience, build in-demand skills, and earn while you learn.

The Apprenticeship Job Finder is a free tool that helps Nebraska students explore apprenticeship opportunities based on your interests and location. Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still figuring it out, you can search for opportunities that align with your goals and see what is available near you.

Apprenticeships are a powerful way to step into the workforce with hands-on experience, industry connections, and a clearer path forward.

If you are looking for a practical, career-ready option, this is a great place to start.

👉 Explore apprenticeship opportunities:

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05/13/2026

Thank you to the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation for stepping up to the plate as a sponsor of the 2026 Aksarben Summer Baseball Mixer.

“The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation is committed to developing future leaders through education and opportunity, aligning with Aksarben Foundation’s vision for a strong Nebraska workforce and through a Somos One (We Are One) mindset, the College World Series mixer becomes a fun, meaningful way to connect and grow together for a better Omaha and a greater Nebraska.”

Support like this helps bring students, young professionals, and employers together for meaningful connections and real opportunities across the state.

Join us for an afternoon of connection and opportunity:

📅 June 13
⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Old Mattress Factory (Tent)

This free event is open to all, so grab your spot and get in the game.

👉 Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/nebraskatechcollab/event/afsbmc/