Caps Off! Stewardship Brochure

Dear Friends, Whether you’re holding this booklet in your hands or reading it on a screen, I’m grateful you’ve taken a moment to spend time with these pages.

Inside, you’ll find a collection of stories, reflections, and outcomes from the past year. Together, they offer a window into the journeys of our students, the progress they’ve made, and the partnerships that help make this work possible. Every story shared here represents determination, growth, and the belief that brighter futures are within reach.

This work is not done alone. It is shaped by a community of people who care—those who give their time, their resources, their expertise, and their encouragement. Whether you’ve been directly involved or are just getting to know us, thank you for being part of this broader circle of support. Your connection to this work matters more than you might realize.

Looking ahead, we’re especially mindful that this coming year marks our 15th anniversary. It’s a meaningful milestone—one that gives us the opportunity to reflect on where we began and how far we’ve come, together. At the same time, it reminds us that there is still so much more to do, and so many more stories yet to be written.

As you explore this year’s Caps Off! booklet, I hope you’ll feel both informed and inspired. More than anything, I hope you’ll see the impact that a dedicated community can have—and the role each of us can play in continuing that momentum.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Melissa Robinson | Executive Director College Possible Omaha

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College Possible Omaha

Over 25 years of national, evidence-based results.

Through our proven model of personalized coaching and support, College Possible equips students with the tools and resources they need to succeed on their path to college. College Possible students enroll in college at a rate that far exceeds the national average for their peer groups and demonstrate significant positive outcomes in persisting through and completing college.

93%

of alumni completed a four-year degree within 5 years

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COLLEGE ACCESS Our College Access program supports high school juniors and seniors with all aspects of the process of getting to college, from college exploration to financing and scholarships to guiding them through enrollment at their best-fit institution of choice.

Omaha Student Results

338

high school students served 2

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partner high schools served

96% 89%

admitted to college2

High school class of 2025 to any degree-granting institution

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enrolled in college2

COLLEGE SUCCESS Once students are enrolled in college they move into our College Success program, where coaches offer the skills, resources and information that students will need to persist until graduation and attain their bachelor’s degree.

Omaha Student Results

1,270 84% college students served

persisted from first-to-second year in college3

72 178

colleges attended by students

college degrees earned4

High school class of 2025 represent fall-to-fall enrollment to any degree-granting institution

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Degrees and certificates earned between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025

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Karen Omaha North High School 2021 University of Notre Dame 2026 Bachelor of Architecture Minor, resiliency and sustainability of engineering systems

Karen had never planned to attend the University of Notre Dame.

But when her College Possible coach encouraged her to apply for QuestBridge, a program that connects high-achieving students with top universities across the country, Karen decided to take a chance. That one step opened the door to opportunities she’d never imagined for herself.

Now, Karen is preparing to graduate from Notre Dame with a degree in architecture and a minor in resiliency and sustainability of engineering systems.

Born and raised in Omaha, Karen spent part of her childhood living with her dad out in the country.

She is the youngest of five siblings

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and has always been driven academically, describing herself as the family’s “bookworm.” While she always knew she wanted to go to college, she also understood early on that paying for it would be largely her responsibility.

“We were always told that if we wanted to go to college, we’d have to pay for it on our own,” she says.

Karen joined College Possible after watching her older sister go through the program. In her family, College Possible became the trusted resource for anything related to college—from test prep to applications to financial aid questions. Karen said much of her connection with College Possible happened during high school,

when she most needed guidance in navigating the process.

College Possible supported Karen through ACT prep, helped her understand what the college application process should look like, and encouraged her to apply for scholarships that could help make college financially possible.

“They pushed me to apply and held me accountable throughout the whole process,” she says.

That accountability became life-changing when her coach introduced her to QuestBridge and encouraged her to apply.

Karen had never expected to attend Notre Dame and initially thought she would go to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for engineering. Even after not being selected as a QuestBridge finalist, Karen continued pursuing the opportunity and was ultimately accepted to Notre Dame.

“The whole reason I went to Notre Dame is because of College Possible’s support,” Karen says.

Once on campus, Karen entered Notre Dame’s five-year architecture program, one of the few remaining classical architecture programs in the country. The program’s emphasis

on traditional design, including hand-drawing and watercoloring, helped Karen discover a passion she hadn’t fully considered before.

“Architecture is the backdrop for everyone’s life,” she notes. “It can shape a lot of people.”

Karen’s college experience has taken her far beyond Nebraska and Indiana, including a year studying abroad in Rome. She describes the opportunity as one of the most meaningful parts of her journey, for both the academic experience and the personal growth that came with living in a different culture. “It was the most incredible experience,” she recalls. “I became more aware of everything going on throughout the world. I learned about the culture, and I learned a lot about myself.”

Karen also gained professional experience through internships in Chicago, New York, and Omaha.

She credits her early internships with helping her build technical skills and confidence, including learning computer programs, watercolor techniques, and what it looks like to work in a professional architectural environment.

Today, Karen works as an architectural and construction

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drafting intern at Notre Dame.

The role has exposed her to the management side of architecture and the day-to-day reality of how projects come together through collaboration with contractors and teams on job sites.

As she prepares to graduate, Karen recently learned she has been nominated for class valedictorian—an honor given to only one or two students from each college at Notre Dame.

She is also part of the university’s Student Speakers Bureau, speaking at donor events and university gatherings. Karen says being able to share her story and connect with those who invest in students has been one of the most rewarding parts of her experience.

Now, Karen hopes to return to Omaha after graduation and begin her career at an architectural firm while working toward licensure. To become a licensed architect, she must complete 3,700 supervised hours and pass a series of exams, and she has already completed 1,500 hours.

“I will always be grateful for the role this program has played in my journey,” she says. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without it.”

As she prepares to take her next steps, Karen hopes to build a career rooted in purpose and to bring what she has learned back home to Nebraska.

“I will always be grateful for the role this program has played in my journey. I wouldn’t be where I am now without it.”

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College Possible Omaha

Darian Millard South High School 2022 University of Nebraska– Lincoln 2026 Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Minor, sociology

By the time Darian arrived on campus at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he had already made a decision that once felt out of reach: he was going to become a scientist.

As a child, he was captivated by animals, especially dolphins. His third-grade teacher once gave him a small glass dolphin figurine, a simple gesture that affirmed a fascination already taking root. He loved science, visiting the zoo and museums, and watching animalfocused shows.

Even without an outdoorsy childhood, he found ways to imagine a future built around wildlife. But as a first-generation college student, he felt uncertain about the path to college.

“When I was in high school, college seemed unattainable,” Darian says.

“I knew I wanted to do it, but I didn’t think it would be possible.”

That perspective began to shift when he joined College Possible.

Recruited during an AP English class, he didn’t initially understand the full scope of the program.

What quickly became clear, however, was that it offered both structure and encouragement.

Through ACT tutoring, essay workshops, and step-by-step goal setting, Darian’s view of college transformed from a distant idea into an achievable goal.

“It was essentially homework to set goals, write essays, and apply,” he says. “All of that work made it real.”

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With support in navigating applications, financial aid, and FAFSA verification, Darian enrolled at Nebraska–Lincoln as a fisheries and wildlife major. His first year on campus proved formative—for the first time, he was fully independent, building friendships, managing his time, and adjusting to college coursework. “It was the first time doing everything on my own,” he says. “I grew a lot.”

That growth accelerated the following summer during an avian biology field course near Ogallala, Nebraska. Living in cabins and spending long days outdoors, Darian found himself immersed in hands-on science unlike anything he’d experienced before. “It reaffirmed that this is what I wanted to do.”

From there, his opportunities expanded rapidly. Through the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program, Darian spent multiple summers learning from professionals in conservation, environmental justice, and social justice. During one program in Washington state, he explored the intersection of Indigenous history, land stewardship, and ecological science. Later, he conducted marine biology work at a whale museum and on Washington’s Yellow Island, studying tide

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College Possible Omaha

pool invertebrates—a full-circle moment for the student who once drew dolphins in his notebooks.

Darian’s third college summer marked his first time leaving the country. In South Africa, he studied wildlife tracking, conservation practices, and the complexities of the hunting industry. Shortly afterward, he designed his own salamander habitat research project during an internship in New York.

Each experience broadened his understanding of conservation and reshaped how he thinks about the field. “I started to think more about people,” he says. “Like access to green spaces, environmental justice, and how communities interact with nature.”

What began as a desire to work primarily with animals evolved into a more layered goal: approaching conservation through a peoplecentered lens.

Back on campus, Darian continued building hands-on experience— volunteering in his avian biology professor’s lab, where he advanced from cleaning cages to specimen preparation and necropsies. He launched student research during his sophomore year and is now completing his senior thesis. Along the way,

he intentionally broadened his experiences, working with birds, whales, and salamanders to better understand where his interests and strengths align.

“I’m proud of how competitive I’ve made myself,” he says. “I’ve gotten compliments on my resume, and it’s nice to know the work has been worth it.”

Throughout it all, College Possible remained a consistent support system. His coaches reviewed his applications for fellowships, internships, and scholarships, and during his first semester, his coach checked in to make sure he felt connected to campus resources.

“They made sure I wasn’t alone trying to find help,” he says.

That guidance translated into meaningful financial support.

Darian earned the Susan T. Buffett Scholarship, Nebraska Achievement Tuition support, the Husker Passport Scholarship for

study abroad, and the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship—along with paid fellowships and additional grants—allowing him to graduate debt-free. “Having that funding meant I could focus on building my life instead of just surviving,” he says.

Looking ahead, Darian is considering whale-related work in Maine, a research opportunity in Australia studying fairy-wrens, and additional fellowships. In the long term, he hopes to become an expert in a species, habitat, or concept while ensuring his work is ethical, fulfilling, and communityfocused.

Looking back, he believes his college journey would have been very different without College Possible. “I would have felt lost,” he says. “Instead, I’m a completely different person now. It’s been such a positive experience.”

“[Without College Possible] I would have felt lost. Instead, I’m a completely different person now. It’s been such a positive experience.”

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Monserrat Omaha South High School 2021 University of Nebraska– Omaha 2026 Bachelor of Science in Education, Secondary Education Bachelor of Arts in Latino/Latin American Studies English as a Second Language Supplemental Endorsement (ESL)

Growing up, Monserrat was always drawn to learning about people, languages, and culture.

She immersed herself in school activities and community programs, finding early on that education was something she cared deeply about—and that curiosity would eventually lead her to pursue a career in teaching.

This spring, Monserrat will graduate from the University of Nebraska–Omaha with two degrees: one in secondary education and another in Latino/ Latin American studies, along with an endorsement in English as a Second Language (ESL). As a first-generation college student, her journey has been shaped by persistence, mentorship, and

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College Possible Omaha

a willingness to explore new opportunities. “Being in college is such a privilege,” Monserrat says. “You learn so much that you otherwise wouldn’t know.”

Monserrat joined College Possible during her junior year of high school. Already involved in another college preparation program, she knew college was something she wanted to pursue, but navigating the process felt overwhelming at times. “As a first-generation student, it was scary and new,” she says. “I didn’t always trust myself.”

Through College Possible, she gained guidance on college applications, scholarships, and financial aid—and found a support system that encouraged her to

ask questions and think seriously about her future. “I would have had less knowledge about resources and opportunities. Without a program like this, it would have been more challenging and isolating.”

That support continued throughout college. During one particularly difficult period, Monserrat faced financial challenges while balancing school and family responsibilities. After speaking with her College Possible coach, she found assistance to cover fees for summer classes, help that kept her on track academically. “Every year, I know there’s someone there to support me,” she says. “They really do care about the students.”

When Monserrat first began college, she planned to pursue elementary education. But handson experience changed her direction. While working at the Omaha Children’s Museum and later with Completely KIDS at her former middle school, she realized she connected more deeply with older students, which guided her shift to secondary education.

Her academic interests expanded, too. A course in Latin American studies sparked a deeper curiosity about language, culture, and history that eventually led her to pursue a second degree. “I love

learning about languages, history, people, and cultures,” she says.

Outside the classroom, Monserrat stayed actively involved on campus, serving as secretary and social chair for the Association of Latin American Students.

She also gained experience through internships and student teaching placements across Omaha, including an enlightening internship with the Latino Center of the Midlands. “These internships helped me understand more about the different ways we can support students and communities.”

During her junior year, Monserrat experienced a moment that shifted how she saw herself. As part of the Teacher Scholars Academy at UNO, she was nominated for the Inspire Awards—an Omaha event recognizing women in leadership. Sitting alongside university leaders, professors, and accomplished women, she questioned whether she truly belonged. “I remember thinking, ‘Why am I here?’”

Not only was she there, but she won an award, received the $5,000 Inspire Scholarship, and delivered a speech in front of the largest audience she had ever addressed.

“It was scary, but it was also really rewarding,” she says. That same year, she was selected to serve on Caps Off!

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a committee helping choose the new dean for UNO’s College of Education. “It was surreal. Being part of those spaces truly changed how I saw myself.”

Monserrat says her decision to become an educator is rooted in the impact teachers can have on students’ lives.

Through her coursework and classroom experiences, she has learned that teaching extends beyond academic instruction; it also involves mentorship, encouragement, and building meaningful connections. “It’s about educating yourself, educating others, and connecting with students.”

As graduation approaches, she is gaining hands-on experience through student teaching at Omaha North High School. The placement initially surprised her—she had listed Omaha South, her alma mater, at the top of her

preferences. But her perspective quickly shifted. “I have really grown to love Omaha North, and I can see myself teaching there.”

Looking ahead, Monserrat hopes to teach at the high school level, potentially in ESL or Spanish, while eventually pursuing a master’s degree. And she plans to carry forward a lesson reinforced throughout her time with College Possible: asking for help can open doors. “Having people constantly reaching out and pushing us to do better really makes a difference,” she says.

From exploring her academic interests to stepping confidently into leadership spaces, Monserrat’s journey reflects the power of mentorship, perseverance, and the belief that education can shape both individual futures and entire communities.

“I would have had less knowledge about resources and opportunities. Without a program like this, it would have been more challenging and isolating.”

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College Possible Omaha

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Looking Beyond the Degree We’re transforming lives by making college more accessible, and a degree, a reality. Our approach of providing support through college graduation provides students with the continuous coaching they need.

In a 2024 alumni survey, 93% of those surveyed said College Possible was helpful.

This success is evident in the careers our graduates pursue, as they go on to make meaningful contributions across a wide range of sectors.

College Possible graduates are turning their career aspirations into reality, making an impact across industries, from finance and education to healthcare and law—proving that our programs create lasting success.

Each college degree opens opportunities that change the trajectory not only of a student’s life, but their families and communities, too.

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College Possible Omaha

OUR GRADUATES ARE THRIVING

95%

of alumni are employed, with 81% working full-time

93%

feel well prepared for their careers, and 83% report job satisfaction

50%

earn more than $60,000 annually— well above the U.S. poverty line

THEY’RE ON STRONG FINANCIAL FOOTING

71%

are saving for retirement, and 59% are planning for big financial milestones

38%

of alumni graduate debt-free, and 13% owe less than $10,000 in student loans—much lower than the national average

ALUMNI RECOMMEND COLLEGE POSSIBLE

93%

of alumni say College Possible was essential to their success, and 90% would recommend the program to others Caps Off!

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Help Us Empower the College Dream At College Possible Omaha, we’re all about helping students from low-income communities find the right college, navigate the admissions process, secure financial aid, and stay on track to graduation. Since 2011, we’ve provided free coaching to more than 3,770 students and their families.

What makes us different? We personalize the journey and provide individual coaching every step of the way. Whether it’s choosing a college that’s the best fit or helping them overcome challenges once they’re enrolled, we’re here to make sure they succeed.

With the help of our amazing partners at local high schools and colleges, we’re making sure more students in Omaha not only get into college, but thrive there. Together, we’re creating lasting change—one student at a time.

During the 2024–25 academic year, 178 degrees were awarded to College Possible Omaha students.

Thank you, for joining us in our mission.

Together, we are advancing college opportunities for the greater Omaha community.

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College Possible Omaha

Psst ... Sneak Peek!

Our 15-year anniversary logo is making an early appearance!

Watch for it in the coming months as we celebrate this milestone together.

Give This to a Friend Share these stories with someone who might be interested in educational opportunities and the work of College Possible Omaha.

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Stay Connected @CollegePossibleOmaha

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College Possible Omaha

College Possible Omaha

College Possible is making college admission and success possible for students from low-income backgrounds through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support.

THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN COLLEGE POSSIBLE, THE STUDENTS WE SUPPORT, AND THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY.

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