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SummerWorks is changing to OmahaWorks

Omaha Public Schools is taking over the management of the SummerWorks program, which was previously run by UNO.

Jan Christiansen, of the Career Education Office at OPS, says OPS is renaming the program OmahaWorks and expanding it to a 12-month schedule. 

She says SummerWorks began in 2011 and employed between 100-165 kids in the summer to work with Omaha parks and non-profit organizations.

"And the students would receive a minimum wage and would work Monday through Thursday.  And on Friday they would have a day called Engagement Fridays which would look at different career opportunities and different post-secondary opportunities for our youth.”

Christiansen says OmahaWorks staff will go into the schools twice a month during the school year talking to kids about scholarship opportunities, as well as getting involved in community service. 

Christiansen says the summer program will remain the same. 

OmahaWorks is currently seeking the funds to run the program for next year and will approach the city for assistance. 

Assuming they have the funds, Christiansen says OmahaWorks will begin in the summer of 2016 and will serve approximately 450 kids.