Improving
Nebraska Centers of Excellence
Centers of Excellence (CoE) grants were awarded in 2020-21 to Nebraska school and community-based ELO programs and nonprofit organizations that have expertise in an area related to ELO programming, staffing and partnership development. Each CoE developed professional development and curriculum resources, as well as shared best practices to statewide audiences to help Nebraska afterschool programs build capacity and enhance quality.
Content areas are listed below. In addition to the resources listed below, coaching may also be available to Nebraska ELO programs. Please contact Sandy Day at sday@nebraskachildren.org if you are interested in coaching regarding specific content listed below.
Civic Engagement-Service Learning
https://www.civicnebraska.org/
Civic Nebraska creates a more modern, robust democracy for all Nebraskans via youth civic leadership, civic health programs, and voting rights initiatives. Contact Kent Day at kent.day@civicnebraska.org for programming and assistance related to Civic Participation and Community Engagement through Service Learning.
Professional Development Workshops
https://collectiveforyouth.org
Collective for Youth offers numerous learning opportunities for youth development professionals that are designed to improve practices and outcomes, including regularly scheduled community workshops as well as customized trainings. Training participants usually receive childcare training hour credits for licensed school-age programs in Nebraska.
Gardening
Cozad Afterschool Program, through the leadership of their former director, has developed an expansive year-round gardening program for their afterschool and summer programs, as well as school-day programming.
Gardening Training and PD Videos: contact sday@nebraskachildren.org
Wildlife Education
https://outdoornebraska.gov/educationalresources/
Nebraska Game and Parks works to connect people to the natural world and supports conservation in Nebraska.
High School Student Staffing Model
https://www.lexschools.org/program-services/after-school/
Lexington Afterschool Programs *For coaching and support with this model from Lexington’s program director, contact Patricia Stewart at pstewart@lexschools.org
Full Service Community Schools
Lincoln Community Learning Centers provide a delivery model to support youth, families, and neighborhoods as they strive to be successful, thriving, and strong.
- Webinar #1_FSCS Presentation
- Session 1 Workbook_FSCS Framework
- Webinar #2_Building Powerful Partnerships
- Session 2_Partnerships Workbook
- Webinar #3_Community Cafes
- Session 3_Community Cafés workbook
- Webinar #4-SNACs and ABCD
- Session 4_SNACs and ABCD workbook
- Videos Series: Five short videos providing a brief view of Lincoln CLCs: Lincoln CLC Director, Lead Agency Representative and three videos that provide insight into the role of a School Community Coordinator at each school level ( elementary, middle, and high school).
Developing Local Partnerships
https://www.nppsd.org/o/kids-klub
North Platte Public Schools Kids Klub *For coaching and support with this model from Kid’s Klub program director, contact Carrie Lienemann at clienemann@nppsd.org
Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
https://www.omahazoo.com/education
Sea Lion Shores Curriculum: Students will focus on ocean health information, advocacy, and
engagement opportunities with emphasis on preserving biological diversity. Lessons focus on ocean health challenges faced by ocean wildlife (especially sea lions) and the conservation of the ocean. To access this curriculum, contact Elizabeth Mulkerrin at elizabethm@omahazoo.com
Action-Oriented Programming Delivered Online
Rabble Mill/The Bay has transformed The Bay’s in-real-life counterculture programming — skateboarding, music, and art — into three program tracks designed to uniquely engage upper elementary and middle school students: Skate School, Go Live (digital music), and Capture
It (digital photography)
Capture It & Creatives’ Collective Curricula:
Go Live Curricula:
- YouTube playlist
- The Bay Online | Go Live | Educator Guides (Fall 2020)
- The Bay Online | Go Live | Educator Guides (Spring 2021)
Skate School Curricula:
Shoebox Science Kits
https://museum.unl.edu/education/
UNL Morrill Hall Fourteen shoebox kits to choose from. Small specimen collections included in the kits with an activity guide for educational use.
UNO STEM 4 U
https://www.unomaha.edu/academic-affairs/ne-stem-for-u/index.php
UNO STEM4U provides quality educational after school activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for K-12 students
Wildlife Safari Park
http://www.wildlifesafaripark.com/
Nebraska Pollinators Curricula: contact the Education Department at (402) 738-2092 for more information.
Resources have been developed, researched and tested by Beyond School Bells.