The Omaha STEM Ecosystem has announced the inaugural STEM Impact Awards, a new annual event celebrating excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across Nebraska.
The STEM Impact Awards will be held Nov. 5 at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to honor individuals and organizations that are transforming Nebraska’s STEM landscape through education, innovation and community impact.
Now through Sept. 15, Omaha STEM Ecosystem invites the public to nominate individuals and organizations across Nebraska that are making a significant impact in STEM education, access, engagement or workforce development.
There are three award categories:
Inspiring Minds Award: Honors an exceptional educator or principal in Nebraska who goes above and beyond to ignite curiosity and champion STEM learning in the classroom.
Driving Innovation Award: Recognizes a forward-thinking business or organization in Nebraska that invests in growing the STEM talent pipeline through strategic partnerships and community engagement.
Transforming Communities Award: Celebrates a changemaker (individual, business or nonprofit) that expands access, promotes equity and strengthens STEM opportunity across Nebraska communities.
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available and proceeds from the event will directly support Omaha STEM Ecosystem programs that connect Pre-K to college learners, educators and professionals with STEM resources and opportunities.
For more information on nominations and sponsorships, visit omahastem.com/stem-connect-series.
Goodwill collection to support Girls Inc.
Goodwill Industries Inc., serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, said its August Round It Up campaign will benefit Girls Inc. of Omaha, an organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold through direct service and advocacy.
Throughout the month of August, shoppers at Goodwill retail stores will be invited to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar. Every cent of the additional change will go directly to support Girls Inc. to fund impactful programs, including STEM education, mental wellness, financial literacy and college and career readiness for girls across the Omaha area.
“Girls Inc. is doing transformational work right here in our community,” said Tobi Mathouser, president and CEO of Goodwill Omaha. “Through Round It Up, we’re offering our customers a small, simple way to make a big difference in the lives of local girls and future leaders.”
Girls Inc. of Omaha serves hundreds of girls each year through two campuses in North and South Omaha. The organization’s mission aligns closely with Goodwill’s commitment to empowering people through education, employment and opportunity.
Hotel opens near UNMC campus
MH Hospitality has announced the grand opening of the Hampton Inn & Suites UN Medical Center Area.
Located near the University of Nebraska Medical Center at 4401 Douglas Streets, the hotel offers 96 rooms and a range of amenities tailored to meet the needs of both business and leisure guests.
The hotel will offer self-contained parking and an available retail opportunity. MH Hospitality will manage the new Hampton Inn & Suites UN Medical Center Area.
Banquet raises $270K for Dana Village
With a seven-course meal, 16 outstanding vintners and the Holland Performing Arts Center as a backdrop, the Angels Share Committee, along with Main Street Cellars and Qwest Distributing, hosted an event that raised $270,000 toward renovations at Dana Village, a Lutheran Family Services project focused on youth aging out of foster care.
Situated on the former Dana College campus in Blair, Dana is now a multi-generational community that offers housing as well as other wrap-around services such as job support and therapy.
Friday night’s dinner was designed by chefs Ben Maides of Au Courant and Michael Anderson of Omaha Performing Arts and was paired wines from 16 vintners.
Auction items included private wine tastings, stays and meals, fly fishing in Montana, and golfing at Dismal River in the Nebraska Sandhills. Donations are designated towards matching a $2 million state grant to renovate the Gym at Dana Village.
United Way to hold digital literacy series
The United Way of the Midlands is holding a free digital literacy series tailored specifically for seniors — with curriculum customized by its partners at Code Black and supported by Google Fiber.
Classes will be held at Code Black, 3223 N. 45th St.
Classes, all from 10 a.m. to noon, are Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Feb. 14, March 14, May 9 and June 13.
Go to uwm211.org/digital-literacy for information.
Black & Pink opens space for young adults
Black & Pink National has marked 20 years with a new chapter.
The group is a leading prison abolitionist organization fighting for the freedom of LGBTQIA2S+ people and individuals living with HIV and AIDS who are impacted by the criminal punishment system.
It is opening Opportunity Campus, a sanctuary in Omaha designed to support system-impacted LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.
This campus at 2443 Evans St. is more than housing. It is a healing space that offers safe and affirming shelter along with wraparound services including mental health care, daily drop-in support, hot meals, showers, a food pantry, laundry facilities and community-centered programming.
Every service at the Opportunity Campus is free. This reflects Black & Pink’s commitment to disrupting systemic harm and creating real pathways to collective care and empowerment.
Saturday events at Heartwood Park
Heartwood Park at 301 S. 145th Ave., within Heartwood Preserve has scheduled several events for Saturdays in August.
Aug. 9: Wellness in the Park: Sculpt Yoga with Andi Palladino, 11 a.m. to noon; Encanto Outdoor Movie, 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: Kids Club: Molecular Mayhem with Omaha Children’s Museum , 11 a.m. to noon; Silent Disco, 7 p.m.
Aug. 23: Wellness in the Park: Yoga with Mina, 11 a.m. to noon; Live Performance from Blue House and The Rent To Own Horns, 7-11 p.m.
Aug. 30: Kids Club: Amazing Bubble Show with Omaha Children’s Museum, 11 a.m. to noon; The Wild Robot Outdoor Movie, 8:30-11 p.m.
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