Community Partners & Referral Organizations

Know someone
ready for more?

If you work with adults who are motivated to build a real career but don't know where to start — Ignite Nebraska may be the right next step. This page is built for case managers, counselors, navigators, and community organizations who refer people to us.

Refer Someone Now How Referrals Work

What to Tell the Person You're Referring

The 30-second explanation.

If someone asks what Ignite Nebraska is, here's the simplest honest answer:

"Ignite Nebraska is a free workforce training program in Omaha. They'll prepare you with real skills, connect you to employers who are actively hiring, and give you a dedicated coach who stays with you through the process. You still have to interview and earn the job — but they make sure you're more prepared than anyone else in the room."

Always be clear: Ignite does not guarantee a job. They prepare participants and connect them to employer partners — the hiring decision rests with the employer. Being transparent about this upfront leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Fit Assessment

Is Ignite the right fit for this person?

Use this as a quick gut-check before making a referral. The more "yes" boxes checked, the stronger the candidate.

Strong Fit — All of these should be true
✓
19 years or older
✓
Has a high school diploma or GED
✓
Proficient in English
✓
At least 2 years of work experience — any field
✓
Has or can obtain necessary ID (driver's license, birth certificate, social security card)
✓
Ready to commit — motivated, coachable, and willing to do the work
Have a Conversation First
?
Has a criminal background — some backgrounds may limit program options. Navigators will discuss transparently. We have partner organizations for those where standard pathways aren't the right fit right now.
?
Currently in active crisis — Ignite works best when basic stability is in place. If someone is in immediate housing, mental health, or safety crisis, connect them to stabilization resources first.
?
Limited English proficiency — reach out to discuss options before referring.
?
Interested in Ignite Tech or Ignite Health — these programs have additional availability requirements. Most participants complete 10x10 first.
Not sure if it's a fit?
Email us before making the referral — we'd rather talk it through with you than have someone go through the application process without the full picture. info@ignitenebraska.org

The Referral Process

How to refer someone to Ignite.

Simple and low-friction. You don't need to fill out a form or set up an account.

1
Have the conversation
Use the fit checklist above and the 30-second explanation to make sure Ignite is genuinely the right next step. Set honest expectations — especially about the job not being guaranteed.
2
Send them to apply — or email us first
Direct them to ignitenebraska.org/apply-today to submit a two-minute application. Or if you'd like to make a warm introduction, email info@ignitenebraska.org with their name and a brief note — we'll follow up directly.
3
We take it from here
Ignite's team will review the application, conduct a phone screening, and schedule an in-person interview to determine fit and program match. We'll keep the process moving — typically within a few business days of receiving an application.
4
Stay in the loop if you'd like
With participant consent, we're happy to communicate with referral partners about progress. If you want to stay connected as a support in someone's journey, just let us know when you make the referral.

Upcoming Cohorts

When can they start?

Share these dates with anyone you're referring so they can plan ahead. New 10x10 cohorts start every 6–8 weeks. Ignite Tech cohorts open based on employer availability.

10x10 Program

UNO Community Engagement Center · 6001 Dodge St, Omaha

Cohort Start End
Cohort 6 Mar 24, 2026 Apr 23, 2026
Cohort 7 May 12, 2026 Jun 11, 2026
Cohort 8 Jun 30, 2026 Jul 30, 2026
Cohort 9 Aug 18, 2026 Sep 17, 2026
Cohort 10 Oct 6, 2026 Nov 5, 2026

Ignite Tech

Riley Technology Center · 1012 Bruin Blvd, Bellevue

Cohort Start End
Cohort 7 Mar 16, 2026 Aug 21, 2026
Cohort 8 Jun 8, 2026 Nov 20, 2026
Cohort 9 Sep 7, 2026 Mar 11, 2027
Cohort 10 Nov 30, 2026 May 30, 2027
Ignite Tech cohorts open based on employer partner availability. The person you refer should apply now to be considered for the next opening.

Share these dates with anyone you're referring so they can plan ahead.

Our Programs

What participants can access.

All programs are fully funded — no cost to participants, ever.

Start Here · Most Participants

10x10 Program

5-week career accelerator. Part-time (10–15 hrs/week). Builds professional skills, workplace confidence, and soft skills. Participants become interview-ready for entry-level roles — and may continue into a specialized program based on availability and fit.

Avg starting salary: $35–42K

Technology · After 10x10

Ignite Tech

6-month paid IT apprenticeship. Two tracks: IT Help Desk and Data Visualization. Participants earn a wage while training. Cohorts open when employer partners have active, confirmed hiring needs.

Avg starting salary: $41–55K

Healthcare · After 10x10

Ignite Health

CNA and Phlebotomy certifications. Requires 10x10 completion first. Partners include Nebraska Medicine, Methodist, Boys Town Hospital, Children's Nebraska, QLI, and Madonna Rehabilitation.

Avg starting salary: $40–44K

Coming 2027

Ignite Works

Trades, construction, public utilities, and facilities careers. Currently in development — mention as a future pathway only when referring.

Organizations We Work With

Who refers to Ignite Nebraska.

We work alongside a wide range of organizations across Omaha and Nebraska. If your organization isn't listed and you'd like to build a referral relationship, reach out.

State Agency
Nebraska DHHS
Department of Health and Human Services — connecting individuals navigating public assistance transitions.
Workforce
Nebraska Department of Labor
Workforce development and unemployment services — referring job seekers ready for career training.
Higher Education
Metropolitan Community College
Connecting students and community members seeking career pathways and workforce development.
Education Partner
Bellevue University
Academic partner providing technical curriculum for Ignite Tech. Ignite Tech credits transfer toward a Computer Science degree.
Community Organization
Local Nonprofits & Workforce Orgs
We partner with community-based organizations, workforce development agencies, and social services across the Omaha metro.
Faith Community
Churches & Faith-Based Orgs
Community of faith organizations that connect congregation members and community neighbors who are ready for a career change.
Healthcare & Social Services
Therapists & Case Managers
Mental health professionals and case managers who identify clients ready to build career stability — like the therapist who connected Aleyna to Ignite.
Workforce Reentry
Reentry & Justice-Involved Programs
Organizations supporting individuals navigating reentry. We assess each situation transparently and have partner organizations for cases where standard pathways need adjustment.
Economic Development
Chambers of Commerce & EDOs
Local chambers and economic development organizations connecting residents to workforce training across the region.

Become a Referral Partner

Want to build a formal referral relationship?

If your organization regularly works with adults who could benefit from Ignite's programs, we'd love to connect. A formal referral partnership means your team has a direct contact at Ignite, clear referral protocols, and the ability to stay connected on shared participants (with their consent).

We'll walk you through eligibility criteria, current program availability, and how to make the strongest referrals — so the people you send us arrive ready and well-prepared.

Common Questions from Referral Partners

FAQs for Community Organizations

No — and being clear about this upfront leads to better outcomes. Ignite prepares participants thoroughly and connects them to employer partners who are actively hiring. Hiring decisions rest with employers. The large majority of graduates who complete the program do land roles — because they've put in the work. We ask referral partners to set this expectation before sending someone our way.
None. All Ignite programs are 100% free to participants. No fees, no deposits, no income requirements. We're funded through foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
Reach out to us before making the referral. Some employer partners require background checks, and certain backgrounds may limit which roles or programs are available. We're always transparent about what's possible — and we have partner organizations we can connect people with when standard pathways aren't the right fit right now. We never exclude without a conversation first.
Typically within a few business days of application submission. If you'd like to make a warm introduction via email, we'll prioritize follow-up. The full process — application, phone screening, and in-person interview — usually moves within 1–2 weeks of first contact.
Yes, with participant consent. If someone gives permission for us to communicate with their referring organization, we're happy to keep you in the loop on their progress. Just note this when you make the referral and we'll make sure it's built into their intake.
10x10 is where most participants start — a 5-week, part-time career accelerator that builds professional skills and confidence. It's the required foundation for Ignite Tech (IT apprenticeship) and Ignite Health (healthcare certifications). After completing 10x10, participants may advance to a specialized program based on availability and fit — or move directly into entry-level employment. Your Navigator helps determine the right path.