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Quarterly newsletter
The Spark
Summer 2026 recap: July through September
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From our Executive Director A note from Kellee Executive Director |
Dear friends, This summer, 39 people walked across our stage. Behind every one of those moments is a person who decided to bet on themselves, often while juggling work, kids, rides that fell through, and bills that wouldn't wait. They showed up anyway. I'm so proud of every one of them. Two stories from this quarter have stayed with me. Jamia had to step away from our summer cohort when life got in the way. She didn't give up, and neither did we. In August she came back, and in September she completed the program. And Sidney, who finished 10x10 in July, now works alongside us on the Ignite Nebraska team, helping the next cohort find their footing. We believe getting people into meaningful careers can break the cycle of generational poverty. Sidney's story is that belief in motion: someone who was given a chance, now opening the door for others. None of this happens alone. To our funders, Employer Partners, and community partners: you are the reason an alum can walk into an interview in the right clothes, get to class on the bus, and start a career with benefits and a real future. Thank you for believing in this work and in the people of Omaha. On October 6, 33 more people begin their journey with us. I can't wait to tell you their stories. With gratitude,
Kellee Mikuls, Executive Director
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Alumni spotlight
Sidney finished 10x10 in July. Now she helps lead it.
Sidney started our summer 10x10 cohort on June 30 and completed it on July 30. A few weeks later, she joined the Ignite Nebraska team as our Program & Operations Coordinator.
Today she supports the same cohorts she came through, and the people in them see someone who has been exactly where they are.
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“Ignite Nebraska has provided stability for me and my child and opportunity for him to have a bright future. I love getting to help people and bring the mission full circle.”
Sidney · 10x10 alum, Program & Operations Coordinator
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Momentum
Jamia came back
Life pulled Jamia away from our summer cohort before she could finish. In August she re-enrolled, and in September she completed the program. Our Navigators stay in touch when someone has to step away, so the door is open when they're ready to return.
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In their words Notes from our alumni
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Best experience of my life. I hope everyone takes a chance on themselves to learn what you all have to offer. I'm so happy I took that leap of faith. The things you guys do for people, and can do for people, is amazing. Thank you for everything. See you in November!!
Jayce · Ignite Health alum
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 A new alum celebrates with founder Joni Wheeler and Executive Director Kellee Mikuls.
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Jobs secured New careers, new paychecks
A few of the alumni who secured jobs this summer:
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Rosalee
Ignite Health alum · CNA at Hillcrest
Earned her CNA through Ignite Health and secured a full-time job with benefits. Her annual income more than doubled.
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Darien
Ignite Health alum · Emerald Rehab Facility
Secured a full-time job with benefits. His annual income is more than four times what it was before Ignite Nebraska.
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Sam
10x10 alum
Started a full-time job with benefits on July 1, nearly quadrupling his annual income.
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Leilani
10x10 alum · Pricer/Stager
Completed our summer 10x10 cohort and started her new job in August, less than a month later.
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Our Ignite Health alumni at their CNA training classes.
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Alumni at work
From classroom to career
We love seeing our alumni at their employers. Here's Tyneesha, now on the job as a CNA!
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The proof What a new career pays
When alumni secure a job through Ignite Nebraska, their paychecks change.
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118%
Average income growth after job secured
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$46K
Average salary across all programs
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$54K
Average salary, Ignite Tech
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From where alumni start to what they have built together:
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$13K
Average starting income before Ignite Nebraska
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$2M+
Total salaries generated by Ignite Nebraska alumni
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Source: Ignite Nebraska 2026 Impact Snapshot.
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By the numbers This summer at Ignite Nebraska
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39
New alumni across two summer cohorts
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230
Applications from people ready for a new career
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33
People starting our fall cohort on October 6
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49
Community referrals through Navigator Support
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A group photo of our recent 10x10 alumni.
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Ignite Tech Earning while they learn
Our Ignite Tech apprentices are working while they train. Kyle and Thomas are on the IT Help Desk at Werner, and Myriam is working at Bellevue University. Their cohort wraps up November 20.
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Navigator Support Support beyond the classroom
Housing, transportation, food, and the right clothes for an interview can decide whether someone finishes. This quarter our Navigators connected participants with 16 community partners.
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What's next Coming up this fall
| Oct 6 | Fall 10x10 cohort begins with 33 participants | | Nov 12 | Fall 10x10 cohort completes | | Nov 20 | Ignite Tech cohort completes | | Nov 23 | Next Ignite Tech cohort begins: IT Help Desk and Data Visualization |
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Get involved Ways to partner
There is more than one way to open a door. Here is how your organization can be part of the next chapter.
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Corporate sponsorships
Sponsor a career
One person. One career. One completely different future. Sponsorships start at $1,500 and fund everything from a car repair or certification fee to a full journey from training to job secured.
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For employers
Join our Employer Partner Network
Employer Partners in our Employer Partner Network (EPN) commit to a guaranteed first-round interview for Ignite Nebraska candidates. In return, you meet talent trained around what your workplace actually needs, with a Navigator supporting each hire through onboarding.
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Ignite Tech
Hiring for IT Help Desk or Data Visualization?
Our next Ignite Tech cohort starts November 23, 2026. Ignite Tech is a 6-month paid apprenticeship that blends on-the-job training with technical coursework, so your apprentices learn your systems while they work. If you have IT Help Desk or Data Visualization roles to fill, reach out to Kellee to learn more.
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Questions about any of these? Contact Kellee Mikuls, Executive Director, at kmikuls@ignitenebraska.org
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Want to hire an alum or refer someone to our next cohort? We would love to hear from you.
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Lighting the way to life-changing careers.
Ignite Nebraska is an Omaha-based nonprofit working to break the cycle of generational poverty by getting people into meaningful careers. We do this through upskilling, navigation support, and partnerships with employers and community resources.
ignitenebraska.org
Kellee Mikuls, Executive Director · kmikuls@ignitenebraska.org
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