OSS serves students who have struggled in traditional school settings—many affected by trauma, homelessness, chronic absenteeism, or involvement in the juvenile justice system. These students often come from chaotic homes and violent neighborhoods, making it difficult to succeed without meaningful intervention.
A Partnership with Purpose: Core Bank & Financial Literacy
Core Bank is proud to partner with Omaha Street School in empowering students through financial literacy education—a crucial life skill, especially during Financial Literacy Month in April. The bank also supports OSS through back-to-school supply drives and student field trips to explore career opportunities in finance.
For the past six years, Heather Seaman, Core Bank’s Director of Retail Banking, has volunteered her time and expertise through OSS’s financial literacy and leadership program. Juniors and seniors learn vital skills including budgeting, financial planning, leadership development, and résumé building.
“This is such an important program that equips students with the tools they need to thrive after graduation,” Heather says. “Many don’t have strong support systems at home, so they learn real-life skills like how to budget for groceries or plan a Thanksgiving meal. It’s practical, meaningful, and empowering.”
A Unique Approach Rooted in Faith
OSS operates with a strong Christian ethos, believing every student has inherent value and a unique purpose in life. With a maximum enrollment of 35 students, the school fosters strong, supportive relationships that help students heal, grow, and succeed.
Key features of the OSS program include:
- Mandatory group therapy during the school day, with individual counseling available.
- Vocational training, fully funded by the school, to support direct employment opportunities after graduation.
- Enrichment classes that spark creativity and encourage personal growth.
- Core academic curriculum (English, math, science/geography, history/government) required for graduation.
- Leadership Academy, a class for juniors and seniors focused on life skills, responsibility, respect, and critical thinking.
The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., mirroring a traditional schedule but with tailored support for OSS students’ unique needs.
Vocational and Career Readiness
Students can currently earn certifications in:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Automotive Technology
The school is actively working to expand this program to include construction and culinary arts—all at no cost to students, thanks to generous community fundraising. OSS ensures no financial burden stands in the way of a student’s success.
Student Spotlight: Izzy’s Journey
Once enrolled at a large metro high school, Izzy was overwhelmed by anxiety and bullying. She lost interest, eventually stopped attending, and felt hopeless. OSS offered a turning point.
In the school’s smaller, nurturing environment, Izzy rediscovered her love for learning—especially in English and creative writing.
“I really like the different forms of writing in Mr. Maiorca’s class—short stories, screenplays, and even podcasts,” Izzy shared.
With encouragement from teachers who were “in her corner,” Izzy is now preparing to graduate in May. Her dream? To study Marine Biology and protect the world’s ecosystems.
“OSS is IGNITING—it ignited a fire in me to graduate.”
Even after graduation, OSS students often return to visit, seek guidance, or simply stay connected. The school’s commitment doesn’t end with a diploma—administrators remain a steady source of support as students face the challenges of adulthood.
Challenges and Vision for the Future
As a privately funded school with no state or federal aid, finances are always a challenge. Staff are deeply dedicated, often working for less than public school wages, driven by a shared belief in OSS’s life-changing mission.
Future goals include:
- Hiring more state-certified teachers who understand and support OSS students’ unique needs.
- Raising competitive salaries to attract and retain purpose-driven staff.
- Developing a modern school model that prepares students for adulthood, not just academics.
- Opening a satellite campus to reach more students while maintaining small class sizes.
With increased funding, OSS also hopes to:
- Launch new vocational programs in construction and culinary arts.
- Start student-run microbusinesses through an entrepreneurial initiative.
- Expand enrichment classes for creative exploration.
- Purchase a new building to serve additional students in a second location—while preserving the intimacy that makes OSS so effective.
A Clean Slate, A New Future
At Omaha Street School, transformation is real. Every student is offered what they rarely receive elsewhere: a clean slate, or as the school calls it, “Tabula Rasa.”
“There’s a population of students who fall through the cracks,” one staff member reflected. “We take them in when others have turned them away. For many, we’re the last chance to earn a diploma, gain life skills, and prepare for a future. If we can reach a student, we can reach a family. If we can reach families, we can reach an entire community.”
Make An Impact
Omaha Street School fundraises the money to pay for tuition and supplies, and students are able to graduate without any financial burden. Community involvement is vital to their mission. Here are a few ways individuals and businesses can make a difference:
- Volunteer in the classroom.
- Organize a group work night to clean or help with school projects.
- Donate food for our breakfast program (we can provide a list of preferred items).
- Provide lunch for students and staff (serving 40 people costs approximately $200).
You are invited to Omaha Street School’s 2025 Fundraising Gala on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00pm at the Scott Convention Center. This event is a night to celebrate transformation, hear powerful student stories, and experience the heart of our mission firsthand.
