Graduate Stories
The numbers are real.
So are the people.
Behind every statistic is a person who showed up, did the work, and earned a different future. These are their stories.
52%
Avg income increase within 6 months of placement
93%
Of placed graduates still employed at year one
100%
Off state assistance within 12 months
258%
Avg return on every dollar invested in a participant
Alumni Stories
Five lives. Five transformations.
Barry D.
Ignite Tech Alumni
"From Concrete to Code"
Now: Associate Software Developer · BlueCross BlueShield Nebraska
60–70 hr weeks
Driving concrete mixer trucks for 23 years
$56,160
Salary at BCBSNE
Before
Switching Gears
After 23 years driving concrete mixer trucks 60–70 hours a week, Barry's body was breaking down and he had no time for his family. He made decent money — but at a cost he couldn't keep paying.
"I needed out of the truck."
During
Building Confidence Behind the Screen
Barry described himself as a "nervous wreck" his first weeks behind a computer. A few weeks in, leaning on his Ignite mentors, he built confidence and felt safe to ask anything. By the end, he believed he could learn new things.
After
A New Found Freedom
Barry is now an Associate Software Developer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska — confident in Excel, SQL, and Power BI. He describes his new career as giving him freedom and balance he hadn't had in decades.
"There has been so much freedom with me to do things with my family... I have the ability to take the kids to school in the morning."
Looking Ahead
Continuing to Grow
Barry knows the potential in tech is endless. He feels secure in his role and surrounds himself with people who push him to keep learning. The career he built through Ignite is just the beginning.
Mallorie W.
Ignite Tech Alumni
"Coding a New Future"
Now: Associate Software Developer (pending promotion to Data Analyst) · BlueCross BlueShield Nebraska
$15K
Income before Ignite
$56,160
Salary at BCBSNE
274%
Income increase
Before
Stuck in a Cycle
As a single mom of two, Mallorie was trapped in the customer service cycle — always looking for better opportunities but never having the qualifications to move up. Earning $15,000 a year.
"Before Ignite, emotionally I was very drained, tired, and anxious."
During
Inspired
Inspired by the strong women around her at work, Mallorie's turning point came when she found her SQL assignments felt like "writing a sentence." From there her confidence flourished — and it was palpable to everyone around her.
After
Determination and a Degree
While working as an Associate Software Developer at BCBSNE, Mallorie completed her Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems in August 2025. She can now meet the needs of her kids without stress — and is on the cusp of a promotion to Data Analyst.
What It Means
A Role Model
Mallorie feels hopeful, secure, and focused on continuing to be a role model for her children. Seeing her kids be proud of her has fueled her determination for more.
Eric P.
Ignite Tech Alumni
"Late Career Leap of Faith"
Now: Service Support Technician · Boys Town (promoted from Service Support Specialist)
26 years
In hospitality — on state assistance
$55,000
Salary at Boys Town
Before
From Hospitality to Tech
After 26 years in hospitality, Eric was struggling to navigate the job market — and still on state assistance despite working. He was skeptical about going back to school, but decided to take a leap of faith when he heard about Ignite.
"Even with the job that I had I was getting assistance."
During
Finding His Footing
His first weeks were daunting after years out of the classroom. He questioned his ability. But by week 3 — with a strong support system — he was hooked. He knew he could make this a career.
After
Growth and Confidence
Eric started at Boys Town as a Service Support Specialist and was promoted to Service Support Technician. He continues learning every day — taking on new aspects of his role and staying curious.
"I'm going to learn wherever I can — if I see that it applies to something I've heard or seen somewhere in the organization."
What It Means
Grateful
Eric describes his Ignite journey as worthwhile. This opportunity has meant the world to his family. He no longer has to worry about things like affording his son's senior pictures.
Aleyna M.
10x10 Alumni
"Igniting Her Potential"
Now: Customer Service Representative · BlueCross BlueShield Nebraska
Unemployed
Before Ignite
$41,600
Salary at BCBSNE
Before
Finding Her Footing
Aleyna was at a low point — personally and professionally. She'd worked several customer service roles before learning about Ignite Nebraska through her therapist. She was struggling and unemployed.
"At the start it was a little nerve wracking... But as I kept going to the sessions and the classes, it just felt better and better."
During
Professional Development Glow-Up
Each week built on the last. The emotional intelligence and empathy sessions shifted her perspective on professional gaps she didn't know she had. Her confidence in her ability to perform grew week by week.
After
Worth the Risk
Aleyna is now a Customer Service Representative at BCBSNE — nearing her one-year anniversary and eyeing an IT Support role. She feels grateful, loyal, and proud of how far she's come.
"Ignite did put me in a position where I could get this awesome job with this awesome company. It's changed my life for the better. I know that for a fact."
Looking Ahead
Opportunity
Aleyna is focused on continuing to develop new skills and sees her career path as just beginning. She's already exploring IT Support opportunities at her employer — the 10x10 program was just the start.
Alejandra O.
10x10 Alumni → Ignite Nebraska Team
"Finding Her Spark"
Now: Assistant Navigator · Ignite Nebraska
$16–17/hr
Part-time before Ignite
$41,600
Salary at Ignite Nebraska
66%
Income increase
Before
A Desire for More
Alejandra was working part-time at a Salvation Army Vintage store before it closed. She knew she was capable of more but didn't know how to gain new skills. She felt lost and unsure of her path forward.
During
A Turning Point
From day one of the 10x10 program, Alejandra felt welcomed and hopeful. She built confidence in public speaking, interviewing, networking, and time management. She learned to navigate office spaces and articulate herself professionally.
After
Pouring into Potential
Alejandra now works as an Assistant Navigator at Ignite Nebraska — helping others discover their potential exactly as she did. She is investing in her future and is projected to complete her Associate's Degree in Business Administration.
What Makes This Special
The Circle Continues
Alejandra's story is the Ignite mission made tangible — a program graduate who returned to become part of the team that changes lives. She is proof that the transformation is real, lasting, and generational.
Your story could be next
Ready to write your next chapter?
Free training, a dedicated Navigator, and real employer connections. The role is yours to earn — we're here to make sure you're ready.