Youth Leadership Omaha

Become One of Tomorrow’s Community Leaders — Today.

Develop community leadership skills for an impactful future and meet dynamic peers and community leaders in the process through Creighton’s Heider College of Business Youth Leadership Omaha (YLO) program.

Apply to the Program

View Application Process

Shapers of Community

YLO is an interactive leadership development program that helps high school sophomores realize their potential as shapers of their communities. Participants engage with Heider students and local business and community trailblazers to gain a deeper understanding of our city’s assets and challenges.

This annual program helps students:

Build their network of peers and community organizers;
Gain new insights on how our city works;
Grow their impact by fostering change in their communities;
Freely exchange ideas, information, and advice.

What to Expect

Program members will participate in day-long seminars oriented around the following themes to gain a better understanding of Omaha’s footing in each area:

Justice and Government
Health and Human Services
Economic and City Development
Community Impact
Entertainment and Recreation

(Themes are subject to change with notice.)

YLO Schedule 2024-2025

August 19, 2024: Application Opens
September 6, 2024: Application Closes at 4 p.m.
October 2-5, 2024, Wednesday-Saturday: Interviews for selected candidates
October 9, 2024: YLO Class #29 announced
October 14, 2024: Accept/Decline notice due by 4 p.m.
October 21, 2024: YLO Orientation for Class #29 and parents/guardians, 7-8 p.m.
November 8, 2024, Friday: YLO Opening Retreat for Class #29, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
December 6, 2024, Friday: YLO Seminar #1, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
January 16, 2025, Thursday: YLO Seminar #2, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
February 7, 2025, Friday: YLO Seminar #3, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
March 7, 2025, Friday: YLO Seminar #4, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
April 4, 2025, Friday: YLO Seminar #5, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
April 24, 2025, Thursday: YLO Class #29 Graduation, 5:30 p.m.

While unlikely, dates and times are subject to change with notice.

Program History

Established in 1992 as a mirror program of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s adult Leadership Omaha Program, YLO has a history of bringing together a diverse group of metro-area student leaders each year.

YLO Team

YLO Coordinator

Terry Fischer
terryfischer@creighton.edu
402.280.2686

Advisory Committee

Abbie Mann, Creighton University Business Student + YLO Alum
Alexander Cayetano, Senior Director of Leadership Development, Greater Omaha Chamber
Amy Rector, English Instructor, Metropolitan Community College
Angeline Larson, Director of Strategic and Business Operations, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
Bridget Hadley, City Planner III/Economic Development Manager, City of Omaha
Brittani Tanhueco, Director of Human Resources, Marriott/The Farnam, Autograph Collection
Dan Feldhacker, Director of Engagement Strategy, Creighton University
Jermaine Jones, Chief Career Navigator, Boys and Girls Club
Sherie Thomas, Deputy Chief with Executive Services Bureau, Omaha Police Department
Tracy Fisher, Campaign Development Manager, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Van Hardin, Senior Director of Global Business Services, Conagra Brands

Alumni Testimonials

“During YLO, I have seen the city through a new lens, and I am not going to be the same – but in the best way possible.” – Lily, 2024
“I feel most excited to further my relationships with my YLO classmates. I have made great connections, which I hope to continue far into my adult years.” – Gretchen, 2024
“YLO reminded me that I need to show up every day being ready to lead. Big or small things. In the classroom or on the track. Be ready to communicate and collaborate with all people.” – Rowan, 2024
“I was made aware of many opportunities. There are places that we visited that I want to return to and volunteer. I’m grateful for the networking YLO provided.” – Kirsten, 2024
“During YLO I learned so much about our community, and I want to apply myself to help those places in need.” – Zach, 2024
“Within YLO, I was exposed to numerous perspectives, heard life-changing advice and made meaningful connections.” – Thanishka, 2024
“After completing YLO, I’m excited to keep building new relationships, work hard to make a difference and impact what matters most to me. While the future can seem daunting, the leaders we met reassured us that there’s hope and meaningful ways to change the world.” – Nora, 2024
“As a young leader completing this program, I have a lot of goals for myself. My understanding of community topics was deepened, and I want to make an impact on my community.” – Anna, 2024

Application Process

Thank you for your interest in applying to Youth Leadership Omaha. YLO is an interactive community leadership development program that helps high school sophomores realize their potential to be shapers of their communities. By applying, you are showing an interest in building your network, gaining new insights and growing your impact on your community.

Before you apply, it is important that you understand the expected level of commitment. Please read the program description on this website in its entirety before you apply. Check your availability against the program’s schedule to ensure you are available; we are only looking for students who can commit to the entire yearlong program (you need to attend a minimum of 80% of YLO’s events).

This application is open from August 19, 2024 – September 6, 2024.

The application will likely take 40 minutes to complete. To prepare for the application, you can look at the questions that will be asked. This copy will not be accepted as a submission. You must fill out the online application form.

Important

Within the application, you will be asked to submit the names and email addresses of:
a. Two school or community leaders (teachers, counselors, principals or coaches), who will be emailed a “Reference Form” to complete on your behalf;
b. Your parent/guardian, who will be emailed a “Parent/Guardian Permission Form” to complete on your behalf; and
c. Your school principal, who will be emailed a “Principal Permission Form” to complete on your behalf.
The application closes on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 4 p.m. Your application must be submitted by that date and time to be considered for selection. The Parent/Guardian Permission Form, Principal Permission Form and two reference forms are due by September 11, 2024 at 4 p.m. to remain an eligible applicant.
You will be notified whether you will move forward to the interview process on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Interviews will be held for those invited from October 2-5, 2024. You will have the option to interview in-person at Creighton University or virtually via Zoom.
The new class of YLO (Class #29) will be announced October 9, 2024.
The selected individuals for Class #29 must either accept or decline the offer by October 14, 2024.
A mandatory orientation for Class #29 participants and a parent/guardian will be held at Creighton University on October 21, 2024 at 7-8 p.m.