OMAHA, Neb. (Jan. 30, 2026) — An initial $1 million pledge to Metropolitan Community College (MCC) for a new scholarship will continue Rod Rhoden’s legacy of supporting opportunities in Nebraska’s automotive industry. The pledge from the Rod Rhoden Foundation will establish the Rod’s Auto Tech Team Scholarship, which is available to students of all ages pursuing MCC automotive technology certificate or associate degree programs, including MCC Career Academy completers.

For more than 55 years, Rhoden has been a major investor in auto dealerships in the area, currently with four dealerships in Omaha and Lincoln that employ more than 300 people. Rhoden’s investment strengthens pathways into automotive technology careers, while addressing a need to meet demand for more skilled technicians to work on increasingly complex, tech-driven vehicles.

Rhoden said it is important for educational institutions and the business community to partner in offering programs that are relevant and equipped for today’s automotive workforce and students. Rhoden credited the program’s strength and high student employment rate in securing the scholarship. The state-of-the-art MCC Automotive Training Center on the South Omaha Campus is one of the top training facilities in the nation.

“The long-term success of the auto industry is tied to education and the business community working together to develop skilled workers and offer them great career opportunities while they are completing their education,” Rhoden said. “Metropolitan Community College is committed to the success of its students and its automotive programs. This investment creates more opportunities for MCC to make a positive impact.”

Scott Broady, MCC dean of Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences, said the Rod’s Auto Tech Team Scholarship gives students the support necessary to see their automotive programs of study to completion.

“Rod’s Auto Tech Team Scholarship will broaden opportunities for our students today, and for generations to follow,” Broady said. “This generous funding removes barriers to education and opens them up to excellent employment opportunities throughout the region when they finish. It also supplies the industry with a pipeline of skilled workers.”

Rod’s Tech Team Scholarship is open to any qualifying student currently enrolled or planning to enroll in MCC Automotive Technology programs. The scholarship is expected to impact an estimated 45-plus students per year. To be eligible, recipients must maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher, regularly attend classes and reside in Nebraska.

Visit mccneb.edu/Automotive-Technology for more information on the MCC automotive technology program.

MCC receives NSF grant for biotechnology training project

OMAHA, Neb. (Jan. 29, 2026) — Metropolitan Community College (MCC) has received a $770,663 Advanced Technical Education (ATE) grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the federal government’s independent science agency.

The three-year grant will fund the College’s “Building Pathways to Biotechnology Technician Careers” project, which will help the college develop a new, comprehensive biotechnology training program. Planned to launch in fall 2026, the program aims to provide the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to work as an entry-level technician in the biomanufacturing industry.

"We are incredibly proud to receive this ATE grant and grateful for the confidence the National Science Foundation has in MCC, our partners and our vision for the future. Developed in close partnership with industry, this project will deliver real-world curriculum in highly specialized learning labs that reflect the skills regional employers need today," said MCC President Randy Schmailzl.

The program will offer three academic credentials:

• An associate degree that leads to entry-level employment opportunities and/or academic transfer opportunities at four-year institutions (credit)
• A noncredit workforce microcredential
• A high school academy training program (credit)

Various youth engagement activities in different areas of biotechnology will also be provided with the funding.

As principal investigator, Jackie Clifford (MCC Biotechnology Program Director) will lead the new initiative with Ashley Cunningham, an MCC biology/biotechnology instructor. The project is provided in partnership with local biotechnology industries and support from Bio Nebraska, a nonprofit trade association dedicated to supporting, promoting and growing Nebraska’s biosciences. National biotechnology education organizations such as InnovATEBIO and BABEC are also supporting the project.

“Bio Nebraska looks forward to working with MCC as it implements the biotechnology training program,” said Rob Owen, Biotech Nebraska Executive Director. “Workforce recruitment and development are top priorities for Bio Nebraska members and Metropolitan Community College’s program is essential as we strive to make Nebraska the ‘bioeconomy’ state.”

The grant writing team, (consisting of Clifford, Biology Department Coordinator Lance Johnson, then Dean of Math and Science Mike Flesch and Grants Specialist Casey Jergenson), began preparing the grant proposal in 2024 with support from Mentor-Connect, which provides mentoring and technical resources to help two-year college faculty write competitive NSF ATE grant proposals. Mentor-Connect is an ATE project led by Florence-Darlington Technical College in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges.

“Being able to work with Mentor-Connect and with our coaches, Vicki Jeppesen and Josh Labrie, was so valuable and integral to our success in writing a competitive grant proposal that was awarded by NSF ATE. I thank Mentor-Connect immensely for its assistance, continued support, and resources available within the ATE community around the country,” Clifford said.

Part of the planning for the project in the grant proposal included forming a Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) group, an industry advisory group that helps inform the curriculum for the training program. The MCC Biotechnology team was accepted into the BILT Academy Cohort 5 and has been working with BILT coach Hope Cotner. Jim Walla, Process Development Engineer at Evonik in Blair, Nebraska, is co-leading the BILT with Clifford. Current business members of the MCC BILT team include Evonik, Merck Animal Health, Streck, ADS Biotec, Phibro Animal Health, Novonesis and Smithfield Foods. MCC is working with all companies to offer internship opportunities for students in the program.

The BILT team’s input provided significant contributions to the design of a state-of-the-art biotechnology lab and to the content of the curriculum. The new biotechnology lab located on the Elkhorn Valley Campus is set to open in the fall of 2026. The 5,100-square-foot training space will help students develop core science and biomanufacturing knowledge and industry-relevant biotechnology laboratory skills.

The ATE program focuses on the education of technicians who work in high-tech fields that drive the nation’s economy. Because two-year community and technical colleges are the leading sources of technician education in the United States, faculty from these higher education institutions have had leadership roles in most ATE projects since the program began in 1993.

For more information about the MCC Biotechnology program, visit the Biotechnology page on the MCC website or email Jackie Clifford jclifford2@mccneb.edu.

About Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second-largest postsecondary institution in the state.

About NSF
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that promotes the progress of science by investing in research to expand knowledge in science, engineering and education across all 50 states and territories. NSF supports nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions through competitive grants aimed at advancing science with broad impacts across the nation and its people. Learn more at nsf.gov.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2500977.

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

MCC students win nationwide 2025 Mopar CAP Bracket Challenge

OMAHA, Nebraska (Dec. 3, 2025) — Metropolitan Community College students enrolled in the college’s Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) returned to Omaha as the champions of the nationwide 2025 Mopar CAP Bracket Challenge late last night. The MCC team led by Daniel Grabowski, Connor Jensen, Nathan Kraemer and Nick Smith won a tight matchup with Eastern Maine Community College (Bangor, Maine) in the finals held at the Mopar National Tech Training in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Tuesday.

As champions of the tournament, the MCC Automotive Training Center on the South Omaha Campus will host the traveling trophy in its showroom in 2026 — a 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon, an 800-plus horsepower vehicle. MCC will also receive a fully stocked Mac Tools utility cart valued at $10,000. Mopar CAP is a nationwide initiative to train and employ entry-level automotive technicians for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealerships throughout the country. To emerge as the national champs of the Bracket Challenge, MCC students competed in a series of curriculum-based and technical challenges against other leading Mopar CAP programs throughout the country. Nearly 100 community and technical colleges throughout the country were eligible to compete. MCC was selected as one of 16 qualifying schools based on the strength of the 20-member team’s 100% employment rate, said MCC Mopar CAP instructor Chad Woodworth.

Since beginning to offer Mopar CAP at the college in 2023, MCC has quickly established itself as one of the nation's premier programs. MCC finished in the Final Four at last year’s inaugural Mopar CAP Bracket Challenge.

“We are extremely proud of the students and instructors from our Mopar CAP program who represent MCC so well at the Bracket Challenge,” Scott Broady, MCC dean of Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences. “Their achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, instructors and industry partners. We will look to keep the momentum going and use the examples of these students for future classes.”

The competition began in the beginning of October with MCC advancing through the first round with the higher written test score based on Mopar curriculum against Massachusetts Bay Community College (Wellesley, Mass.). In the next round, MCC scored higher in the mock interview and résumé, ousting 2024 national champion State University of New York (Morrisville, N.Y.) from the contest. To qualify for the finals in Auburn Hills, MCC won diagnostic and technical skills-based challenges versus Kirtland Community College (Grayling, Mich.), hosted at the Stellantis Technical Training Center in Kansas City.

In addition to winning the competition, being able to travel to Mopar’s national training headquarters and get to know students throughout the country working toward the same career goals was a fun part of the experience, Woodworth said.

“Every member of the team contributed to our success, and we had a lot of fun going through this experience together, including the time we spent getting to know students and instructors with other participating schools. We’re grateful to Mopar for our students to have the opportunity to do this during their education — it was valuable for all of us,” Woodworth said.

Visit mccneb.edu/Mopar-CAP for more information about the MCC Mopar Career Automotive Program.

OMAHA, Nebraska (Dec. 1, 2025) — The Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Community and Human Services department received an Educational Partnership Award from African Immigrant Family Services (AIFS) at its 2025 Success Celebration last week. The event celebrated AIFS’ achievements from the past year and featured African dancing, drumming and an awards celebration.

As the last step before earning their general human services associate degree, MCC Community and Human Services students have the opportunity to complete their practicum at AIFS. The organization focuses on helping individuals transition to life in the United States from French-speaking African countries. AIFS offers a broad range of youth development programs; community support resources; refugee and immigrant health screenings; mental health services; and language- and culture-based education and services.

Jane Franklin, dean of MCC Community and Human Services, said the partnership with AIFS has been valuable for MCC students. In addition to Franklin, Community and Human Services faculty members Michelle Miller, Sara Miller and Chandra Petersen received the Educational Partnership Award on behalf of MCC at the event.

“The experience our students gain from working at AIFS is so impactful for developing career-readiness skills and real-world learning experiences that are vital during their education,” Franklin said. “In addition to applying what they are learning in the classroom during their practicum, they are developing professional communication skills, ethical practices and cultural competence in serving AIFS families.”

In opening remarks at the annual celebration, Omaha Mayor John Ewing said AIFS plays an important role in making Omaha a more inclusive community. AIFS serves individuals from more than 20 African nations through services tailored to the unique needs of African families through advocacy, education and outreach programs, all while retaining their rich culture.

“It is an honor to be recognized by AIFS and for our students to be involved in its important work,” Franklin said.

Visit mccneb.edu/Programs/Human-Services for more information about MCC Community and Human Services programs. Go to aifs-usa.org to learn about AIFS programs and services.

Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation awards MCC $50,000 grant

OMAHA (Oct. 17, 2025) — Metropolitan Community College is the recipient of a generous $50,000 grant award from the Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation. The grant will go toward helping Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs at the College. This will continue to provide resources and support early access for high school students interested in the trades.

“This generous grant will go directly towards expanding our Automotive Technology programs in Fremont,” said Scott Broady, dean of Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences. “This grant helps increase our reach in Dodge County, giving students in that area the opportunity to earn career certificates and credentials.”

MEDIA ALERT: 34th Annual Intertribal Powwow to take place at Fort Omaha Campus

OMAHA, Neb. (Sept. 23, 2025) — Metropolitan Community College (MCC) will host the 34th Annual Intertribal Powwow on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 1-7 p.m. at the Fort Omaha Campus. This free, family-friendly event honors traditional Native American dance, music, artistry, oral history and food of tribes throughout Nebraska and the surrounding region, including the Omaha, Ponca, Santee Sioux and Winnebago.

This year’s powwow celebrates the theme “Keeping Traditions Alive in 2025.” it is hosted with the support of Whitmore Charitable Trust, the Douglas County Visitor’s Improvement Fund, Nebraska Cultural Endowment and the Nebraska Arts Council. The powwow provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and education, helping to preserve and celebrate the rich traditions of Native American communities.

Weather permitting, the event will be held outside on the historic parade grounds. In the event of inclement weather, it will be held inside the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology (Building 24).

Event highlights and representatives:

• Reigning Powwow Princess: Zaida Teboe (Ponca/Winnebago)
• Emcee: Samuel J. Grant (Umónhon)
• Head Man Dancer: Todd Ike (Umónhon)
• Head Lady Dancer: Kari Hinman (Ponca)
• Host Northern Drum: Oyate Eyuskinpi (Sicangu Lakota)
• Host Southern Drum: Southern Tunez
• Arena Director: Gabriel Barea (Umónhon)

WHAT: 34th Annual Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 27, 1-7 p.m.

WHERE: Fort Omaha Campus Parade Grounds, 5300 N. 30th St.

MCC Business Development Center receives $20,000 in grant support for entrepreneurship programs

OMAHA, Nebraska (Sept. 22, 2025) — The Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Business Development Center received a $10,000 grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). MCC matched NACCE funding support, bringing the total investment in area entrepreneurs to $20,000.

MCC is a Level 2 partner with NACCE, an organization that supports more than 70 community college programs through its Everyday Entrepreneur Program and Fund. Only nine educational institutions have earned NACCE’s Level 2 distinction, reflecting the growing momentum of the recently launched MCC Business Development Center.

“Metropolitan Community College has impressed us since the moment we onboarded them into the Everyday Entrepreneur Program,” said Dr. Rebecca Corbin, NACCE president and CEO. “Their determination is admirable, and the impact they are making on the college and community has been an honor to watch. We cannot wait to continue this partnership and see what the future brings.”

NACCE funding will provide capital and support for students who participate in the 10-week MCC FastTrac Entrepreneurship and Business Development program. FastTrac is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs and helps guide students through the business planning process — from refining concepts and conducting market research to creating financial projections.

Students who complete the accelerated training program are eligible to participate in the business pitch competition, where they present their finalized business plans to local business experts for a chance to secure capital.

“Learning how to present your business and ideas to potential investors is an essential skill for business owners,” said Dr. Marla Ashe, executive director of the Business Development Center. “Our curriculum provides aspiring entrepreneurs, founders and small business owners with the knowledge and support they need to confidently promote their business.”

Supporting entrepreneurship and business development is critical in Nebraska, where small businesses are the backbone of the economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, more than 99% of all businesses in Nebraska are small businesses, accounting for 48% of the state’s total employment.

Visit mccneb.edu/BDC for more information about MCC Business Development Center programs.

MCC students to compete for International Space Station research opportunity

OMAHA (Sept. 5, 2025) — Up to 30 Metropolitan Community College (MCC) students will have the opportunity to participate in the ultimate distance learning project this fall. Through a partnership with the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESS), teams of MCC students will design and propose spaceflight experiments, with one MCC project selected for testing by astronauts on the International Space Station.

The nine-week flight experiment design competition is available to MCC students through a partnership with the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education’s Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP). Registration is open to all MCC students, including high school students participating in MCC dual enrollment programs.

Openings are available now for students who are interested in participating, with experiment proposals due Nov. 4. Guided by MCC faculty and staff mentors, student teams can design and propose microgravity experiments in fields such as seed germination, crystal growth, cell biology, food studies and more.

The MCC team whose project is selected will earn an all-expense-paid trip to the launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in summer 2026. The winning experiment will be delivered to the International Space Station via a SpaceX flight for testing in low orbit.

“It’s a unique STEM learning opportunity for our students — it’s not every day that they get the chance to team with astronauts as their lab partners,” said Cathy Brunkhorst, MCC dean of transfer. “We’re excited for our students to contribute to a national project while developing their research, experiment design and proposal writing skills.”

Students interested in participating can email LaunchToLearn@mccneb.edu for more details and to register.

MCC 180 RAP celebrates 10-year anniversary

OMAHA (July 18, 2025) — The Metropolitan Community College 180 Re-Entry Assistance Program (180 RAP), the nation’s largest college-based re-entry program, celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a luncheon and awards ceremony on Thursday, July 17, at the Swanson Conference Center on the Fort Omaha Campus. 

Founded in 2015, MCC 180 RAP assists people transitioning from incarceration and court-imposed issues through holistic programs and services, including education, workforce training, job placement assistance, peer mentoring, transition support, basic needs fulfillment and more. The program also provides on-site credit and noncredit classes and services at Nebraska prisons and work release centers. 

MCC 180 RAP has served more than 11,500 people throughout its history. With nearly 400 Omaha-area employers engaged with the program, 180 RAP participants have an employment rate that exceeds 90%. 

Thursday’s luncheon was attended by more than 150 people with connection to the program. Diane Good-Collins, MCC 180 RAP director, helped design the program to provide support and resources that were not available to her when she was released from prison in 2003. She recognized people who have impacted the program over the past decade with the Phoenix Alumni Awards, Employer Champion Award, Heart of Tyler Goodrich Award and the Senator Brad Ashford Re-Entry Pioneer Award.

“Each individual the MCC 180 Re-Entry Assistance Program has supported for the past decade has unique goals and dreams. Some have chosen to pursue a college degree. Some have focused on gaining family-sustaining employment. Some have dedicated themselves to recovery and giving back. And some have courageously chosen to pursue all of the above,” Good-Collins said. “Today, we honored extraordinary individuals who truly embody the spirit of 180 RAP.”

Phoenix Alumni Award recipients included Kimberly Anthony, Lestina Saul, Daniel Halstead, Glenn Flenorl, Joe Fleming Jr., Julia Stubblefield, William Page, Lem Eadie, John Lewis, Dwayne Tucker and Christina Vollman.

Rife Construction was honored with the Employer Champion Award for prioritizing employment of system-impacted individuals.

Rosalyn Cotton, who before retirement held roles with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and the Nebraska Parole Board, was presented with the Heart of Tyler Goodrich Award by the Goodrich family. 

The Brad Ashford Re-Entry Pioneer Award, named after the state senator who championed LB 907, which established the re-entry program, was presented to Sue Raftery. Now retired, Raftery was vice president for Academic Affairs at MCC when 180 RAP was formalized. 

“Long before re-entry was widely understood or supported, Sue stood firmly behind the belief that incarcerated and justice-involved individuals deserved access to education, training and real opportunity,” Good-Collins said.

Visit mccneb.edu/180RAP for more information about MCC 180 RAP.

MCC hosts 14th Annual
Nebraska Robotics and STEM Invitational

OMAHA, Neb. (April 26, 2025) — More than 50 third- through sixth-grade students participated in the 14th Annual Nebraska Robotics and STEM Invitational at the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus on Saturday, April 26. At the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, students from six area schools formed 23 teams that participated in technology-focused activities that included 3-on-3 robot soccer, navigating a drone through an agility course and hands-on computer programming challenges.

The event is part of the College’s efforts to expand access to immersive and innovative STEM learning events for all Nebraska K-12 students. Participating schools included Christ the King School, Howard Kennedy Elementary, Louisville Elementary, Spring Lake Elementary, Springville Elementary and St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. 

Spring Lake Elementary technology instructor Alli Fox, who works with kindergarten to fourth-grade students, said it is an event she and students look forward to every year. Fox said the school has participated for around five years.

“MCC puts on a great event. It’s always fun to practice building robots with the kids and compete with other schools,” Fox said. “It’s also fun to come here and tell our students that MCC is a college and they can study here, especially walking around [the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology] where they can see the cool things that people are doing with technology. We really love this partnership.”

Fox said learning through play and experimentation in a group format brings the lessons to life for students. She said the event also introduces students to working with technology that can provide the foundation for more advanced programming.  

“With coding especially, students will try something, see how it goes and then go back and try fix it. We treat it like a puzzle and learn how to problem solve,” Fox said.  

Alan Wang, MCC director of STEM Program Development, said programming is designed to deliver impactful learning experiences through technology students are naturally inclined to engage with like robotics, drones, virtual reality and eSports. 

“Our focus is to provide fun, engaging, hands-on learning that expands access and elevates STEM in our community,” Wang said.

National Book Foundation’s Science + Literature
Prize Honoree to visit MCC

OMAHA, Neb. (April 25, 2025) – The recipient of the National Book Foundation’s 2025 Science + Literature Prize will be featured at a special event at Metropolitan Community College on Tuesday, May 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Ramona Ausubel, author of the novel, “The Last Animal,” is the 2025 Science + Literature honoree for fiction. She will be on hand for a book signing and giveaway at Science + Literature: Fighting Extinction, a free public event that will be hosted at the Fort Omaha Campus Swanson Conference Center (Building 22).

The Science + Literature program, supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, recognizes three titles annually that deepen readers’ understanding of science and technology and highlight the diversity of voices in contemporary science and technology writing. 

Ausubel’s moving novel tells the story of a newly-single mother and her two daughters, and their discovery of a perfectly preserved, 4,000-year-old baby mammoth. “The Last Animal” explores the possibilities and limitations of scientific discovery, while recognizing the importance of human connection — with one another, with our fellow species and with the wider world around us. 

Ausubel is a national bestselling author of five books and is the recipient of the PEN Center USA Literary Award for Fiction and the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. She is currently a professor at Colorado State University. 

“We are thrilled that Ramona Ausubel is joining us in Omaha to celebrate her honored novel, The Last Animal,” said Liz Kay, English and Creative Writing Instructor at Metropolitan Community College. “It’s been a joy to see students connect with this beautiful novel through syllabi incorporation and book clubs — both at MCC and at UNO — and we’re excited to collaborate with the National Book Foundation to celebrate the power of science, literature and hope, with the Omaha community and beyond.”

The event will include a reading and conversation with Beronda L. Montgomery, Ph.D., author, researcher and member of the 2025 Science + Literature Selection Committee. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be served, courtesy of Metropolitan Community College’s Culinary Arts program. The program begins at 6 p.m., with the book signing and giveaway (while supplies last) to follow. Additional books will be available for sale on site. 

Science + Literature: Fighting Extinction is part of the National Book Foundation’s year-round NBF Presents public programming, which brings honored authors around the country to reach readers everywhere. The spring season of NBF Presents features more than 30 authors in 10 cities from February through June 2025. More information on the NBF Presents spring season and the Science + Literature program is available on the Foundation’s website at nationalbook.org.

Science + Literature: Fighting Extinction will also be livestreamed for readers across the country, and is presented in partnership with Metropolitan Community College, the University of Nebraska at Omaha Department of English and the National Book Foundation. Attendees are encouraged to register via Eventbrite to reserve their seat.

Additional event details:

Science + Literature: Fighting Extinction
Tuesday, May 13 | 5:30 p.m. doors; 6 p.m. program
In-person and livestreamed 
Metropolitan Community College 
Fort Omaha Campus | Swanson Conference Center (Building 22)
5300 N. 30th St.

 

MCC Signing Day returns to South Omaha Campus 

OMAHA, Neb. (April 21, 2025) — On Wednesday, April 23, Metropolitan Community College will host Signing Day — a celebration of the sponsorship of incoming skilled and technical sciences students. Set up like when student-athletes sign letters of intent to continue playing sports in college, Signing Day at MCC celebrates high school students and others who will be participating in industry-sponsored MCC training programs in high-demand career fields. The event will take place at the South Omaha Campus Center for Advanced Manufacturing (Room 120).

Called “sponsorships,” these innovative training programs allow students to be employed by industry partners and earn sustainable wages while pursuing their education. Industry partners also pay for the sponsored student’s tuition at MCC. Sponsorship programs have seen substantial growth at MCC, with hundreds of students now being sponsored by local employers.  

Signing Day will also feature speakers representing industry partner organizations and others.

WHAT:                  Signing Day

WHEN:                 Wednesday, April 23
                             4:30-6 p.m.

WHERE:               South Omaha Campus
                             2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave.
                             Center for Advanced Manufacturing | Room 120

Monroe Middle School students return to MCC 
for Career Exploration Day April 17

  OMAHA, Neb. (April 15, 2025) — Nearly 180 Monroe Middle School students will visit Metropolitan Community College’s South Omaha Campus on Thursday, April 17, for Monroe Middle School Career Exploration Day. The day will feature hands-on, interactive learning activities that are designed to introduce students to career paths in the high-demand fields like automotive technology and health professions.
 
Automotive activities include STEM kits for building solar-powered model cars and participating in powersports technology demonstrations. Students will also gain hands-on health professions experience performing EMS procedures and CPR on a virtual cadaver, learn how to do staple removal and check blood pressure in the Medical Assisting Lab and much more.  

A unique feature of Monroe Middle School Career Exploration Day is the support of local community organizations that will provide volunteers to mentor and engage with students. Participating groups include, but are not limited to:

•    100 Black Men of Omaha
•    Urban League of Nebraska
•    Partnership 4 Kids
•    Step-Up Omaha

The visit to the South Omaha Campus builds on Monroe Middle School students’ fall 2024 career exploration at the Fort Omaha Campus. This initiative aligns closely with the Omaha Public Schools Academies and Pathways model, which guides students from middle school through high school with structured career exploration and workforce-aligned education. More than half of Monroe Middle School students will attend Benson High School, where they can continue developing skills in health sciences, skilled trades and STEM education through dual enrollment, academy-based learning.

WHAT:         Monroe Middle School Career Exploration Day

WHEN:        Thursday, April 17
                    8:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
        
WHERE:      South Omaha Campus
                    2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave.
 

MCC students excel at SkillsUSA Nebraska,
18 qualify for nationals in Atlanta

MCC honors Nebraska’s newly appointed
state poet Jewel Rodgers

OMAHA, Nebraska (April 10, 2025) — In recognition of National Poetry Month, Metropolitan Community College (MCC) will host an evening of poetry in honor of Nebraska’s newly appointed state poet Jewel Rodgers. On Wednesday, April 23, from 7-8 p.m. at the Fort Omaha Campus, the event will feature spoken word performances by Rodgers, several accomplished Nebraska poets and live music accompaniment by local band Parfait. The event is free and open to the public.
 
Rodgers was appointed to a five-year renewable term as Nebraska’s state poet, or poet laureate, in January by Governor Jim Pillen. She aims to make poetry more accessible and relevant to all Nebraskans. The Nebraska state poet designation honors a poet of exceptional talent and accomplishment and a commitment to advocating for poetry, literacy and literature across the state.  
 
Joining Rodgers will be poets Shukura Huggins, Bianca Swift, Bryce Blair and Kels McBlain. Blair is an MCC alum, and McBlain is currently a student at the College.

“Part of my MO has always been highlighting others, so when MCC proposed this celebration, I immediately thought about how we could include other incredible artists — both new and familiar faces,” Rodgers said.
 
Rodgers brings more than a decade of experience performing spoken word at schools, festivals, conferences and public events. She is also a teaching artist with the Nebraska Writer’s Collective and cohosts the Nebraska Poetry Society’s monthly “Vocal Fry Open Mic.”
 
Her accolades include three Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards nominations for best performance, three TEDx talks, a 2022 Union for Contemporary Arts fellow, a 2023 Andy Warhol Populus Fund grantee and a 2024 finalist in the Blackberry Peach Poetry Slam.

WHAT:               An Evening to Honor Nebraska’s New State Poet, Jewel Rodgers
 
WHEN:              Wednesday, April 23
                          7-8 p.m.

WHERE:           Fort Omaha Campus
                          Building 22 | Swanson Conference Center
                          32nd and Sorensen Parkway
                               

State qualifiers announced at 5^th Annual Omaha District National History Day Contest

OMAHA (March 3, 2025) — More than 100 area elementary, middle and high school students participated in the 5th Annual Omaha District National History Day (NHD) Contest at Metropolitan Community College’s South Omaha Campus on Friday, Feb. 28. After a day of presenting research-based projects related to the theme “Rights & Responsibilities in History,” 63 students in youth, junior and senior divisions qualified for the Nebraska NHD State Contest at Nebraska Wesleyan University on April 12.

Students in fifth through 12^th grades selected and presented individual and group projects in categories that included papers (individual entries only), exhibits, websites, performances and documentaries. First- through third-place finishers from each age group selected by judges advanced to the state competition.

Finalists from the state competition will advance to represent Nebraska at a national competition in June in College Park, Maryland. NHD events throughout the in the United States draw more than 500,000 student participants each year.

“MCC looks forward to hosting this event every year. Seeing students celebrate one another’s work and taking their study of history beyond the classroom is exciting,” said Tom McDonnell, MCC vice president for Academic Affairs. “We appreciate all the students, teachers and schools across Douglas and Sarpy counties for their participation and hard work. Good luck to all who qualified for the state competition.”

Omaha District NHD Contest state finalists:

Category: Group Exhibit

Youth Division
First place: Annabelle Knowles, Holden Howell, Henley Rasgorshek
School: Meadows Elementary School
Project title: “Malala Yousafzai — A Very Brave Activist”

Junior Division
First place: Winston Matthews, Colin Manning
School: St. Margaret Mary School
Project title: “Prohibition”

Second place: Joliene Evridge, Payton Smart
School: Platteview Central Junior High School
Project title: “Marian Anderson: The Struggle for Equal Rights”

Third place: Brynn Bombeck, Makenzie Jacobs
School: Bennington Middle School
Project title: “Standing Bear’s Triumph: Rights Affirmed, Responsibilities Reclaimed”


Senior Division
First place: Audrey Bush, Samantha List
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “Erased Identity: The Dark History Behind Native American Boarding Schools”

Second place: Kate Jaworski, Kiana Kaldenberg
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “Abortion in America”

Third place: Audrey Batenhorst, Jennifer Urlacher
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “Nuremberg Laws”


Category: Group Performance

Junior Division
First place: Aria Chaney, Lucy Drahota, Amaya Shaw
School: Bennington Middle School
Project title: “Carmella Teoli’s Voice: A Testament to Workers’ Rights and Employers’ Responsibilities”

Second place: Valeriya Bridgeford, Payton Combes
School: Bennington Middle School
Project title: “Rights in Paradise: Wilhelmina Dowsett and the Responsibility of Suffrage in Hawaii”


Senior Division
First place: Leah Kinney, Madeline Larson, Maria Wooten
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “The Failure of Prohibition”

Category: Group Website

Junior Division
First place: Violeta Collins, Nyankiir Deng
School: Ralston Middle School
Project title: “Spirit in Motion: Changing the World’s Perspective Through Sport”

Second place: Anabelle Bochnicek, Evelyn Hancock, Riley Weyers
School: Ralston Middle School
Project title: “The Pink Triangle”

Third place: Noah Barton, Roman Meier
School: Bennington Middle School
Project title: “Experimentation and Accountability: The Impact of Agent Orange on Human Rights”

Senior Division
First place: Sylvie Dworak, Jennifer Nguyen, Daniela Zurita
School: Ralston High School
Project title: “Henrietta Lacks and the History of Medical Consent”

Category: Individual Documentary

Junior Division
First place: Patrick Nikolaus
School: Lewis and Clark Middle School
Project title: “Workings of the World War II Draft”

Second place: Lindsey Lyons
School: Platteview Central Junior High School
Project title: “An Unlikely Rebel: Small, Serious, and Quiet Elizabeth Blackwell Did Not Look the Role of a Rebel and Reformer”

Senior Division
First place: Lizette Cabrera
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “Bilingual Education: An Equal Education Opportunity”

Second place: Ava Jensen
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “Women's Rights in Marriage in China During the Ming Dynasty”

Third place: Corrigan Aguilar
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “Diverting the Camera: The History and Effects of the Hays Code”

Category: Individual Exhibit

Youth Division
First place: Lizzie Skaggs-Rowser
School: Meadows Elementary School
Project title: “Katherine Parr: The Queen Who Changed History”

Junior Division
First place: Lily Walstrom
School: Ralston Middle School
Project title: “Native American Boarding Schools: Broken Promises”

Second place: Olivia Duncan
School: St. Margaret Mary School
Project title: “Right to Rights: Reclaiming Luxembourg Citizenship”

Third place: Evelyn Olson
School: Bennington Middle School
Project title: “Protecting Wildlife: Rights of Nature, Responsibilities of Humanity”

Senior Division
First place: Addison Rempe
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “Sponsoring Success: National Defense Education Act”

Second place: Shane Adams
School: Ralston High School
Project title: “Policy of Unequal”

Third place: Raelyn Barton
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “The Roots of Love”

Category: Individual Paper

Junior Division
First place: Sean Snow
School: St. Robert Bellarmine School
Project title: “Right to Religion: Use It or Lose It”

Second place: Bennett Sellner
School: Meadows Elementary School
Project title: “A Landmark Decision: How Brown v. Board Changed American Education”

Third place: Leah Brunssen
School: Platteview Central Junior High School
Project title: “Marie Curie and Her Revolutionary Discovery: The Story of Marie Curie and How She Changed the World of Science”


Senior Division
First place: Anna Kate Verdoni
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “The Path of Least Resistance: The Construction of Interstate Highways and the Displacement of Black America”

Second place: Kelsey Herrera
School: Omaha Marian High School
Project title: “The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment”

Third place: Sophia Sparwasser
School: Omaha Marian High School
Project title: “The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory: Strike, Fire, and Reform”

Fourth place: Sophia McNally
School: Omaha Marian High School
Project title: “Pouncing on the Status Quo”

Category: Individual Performance

Junior Division
First place: Jesse Wilson
School: Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School
Project title: “Internment of the Italian Americans”


Category: Individual Website

Junior Division
First place: Mungringawng Bawmwang
School: Bennington Middle School
Project title: “Internees of America: The True Story Of Japanese Internment in America”

Second place: Cade Dill
School: Platteview Central Junior High School
Project title: “Internees of America: The True Story Of Japanese Internment in America”

Senior Division
First place: Carlos Guerrero Franco
School: Ralston High School
Project title: “Cesar Chavez & the Delano Grape Strike”

Category: Group Documentary

Senior Division
First place: Hattie Hindley, Ezley Jones, Xonya Jones
School: Westview High School
Project title: “No One is Above the Law”

Second place: Mary Flanagan, Soledad Peralta, Jillian Wallich
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “The Untold Truth: Meat Packing Industries”

Third place: Amari Nassa, Maggie Naughton, Lauren Stroupe
School: Omaha Mercy High School
Project title: “Her Education is Her Right: A Focus on Rwandan Tutsi Women”

MCC student entrepreneurs have opportunity to access startup
funding this spring through NACCE grant

OMAHA, Nebraska (Dec. 13, 2024) — The Metropolitan Community College Business Division received a $5,000 grant awarded by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) that will support the College’s small business development offerings. Through the NACCE Everyday Entrepreneur Program and Fund, MCC students enrolled in the College’s entrepreneurship certification program will have the opportunity to pitch their business concept at the end of the spring quarter. The student with the winning presentation will be awarded seed funding made possible through the grant to support the launch of their small business.  

Marla Ashe, MCC Dean of Business who holds a doctorate of Business Administration, shared her enthusiasm for the first-time award from NACCE, emphasizing its vital role in supporting MCC student entrepreneurs. The MCC Entrepreneurship program curriculum is revamped for the 2025 spring quarter with an interdisciplinary focus. Students enrolled MCC Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences, Arts and Information Technology programs interested in starting their own business in their technical field can enroll in the College’s 10-week program to earn an Entrepreneurship Generalist Certificate of Achievement to develop the relevant business skills to start successful companies.

In addition to access to critical early-stage funding, the business pitch competition provides students with real-world experience presenting their ideas to potential investors, Ashe noted. Supporting entrepreneurship is vital for communities, particularly in Nebraska. According to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy in 2022, greater than 99% of all businesses in the state are small businesses, which account for 48% of total employment in Nebraska. Notably, the construction industry is the state’s largest small business employer.

“When small businesses succeed, our communities succeed. This funding from NACCE brings a unique opportunity and valuable educational experience to MCC student entrepreneurs,” said Ashe, who joined MCC in 2024. “We’re grateful for NACCE’s support and excited to offer a small business development program that aligns with MCC academic focus areas that are hotbeds for entrepreneurship.”  

Rebecca Corbin, NACCE president and CEO, said community colleges play an important role in the economic development of the communities they serve.

“NACCE is proud to recognize Metropolitan Community College and the MCC Business Division for their commitment to developing and expanding the Everyday Entrepreneur (EE) program,” Corbin said. “Thanks to the generosity of EE’s founders, NACCE is able to make investments in colleges across the country that are transforming communities by fostering prosperity through the creation of scalable businesses. Many of these enterprises are rooted in Main Street and skilled trades, contributing to vibrant, sustainable local economies.”

The MCC Entrepreneurship program curriculum that will roll out during the spring quarter is designed to guide beginning entrepreneurs through the start-up, pre-growth and $250,000 revenue stages of their business. Students who successfully complete the program earn an Entrepreneurship Generalist Certificate of Achievement, as well as Entrepreneur Specialist and Business Start-Up career certificates.

Visit mccneb.edu/Business for more information on MCC Business Division programs offerings.
 

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About Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.  

About NACCE
NACCE is an organization of educators, administrators, presidents, and entrepreneurs focused on igniting entrepreneurship in their communities and on their campuses. NACCE has two main goals: to empower the college to approach the business of running a community college with an entrepreneurial mindset; and to grow the community college’s role in supporting job creation and entrepreneurs in their local ecosystem. The association represents 330+ community and technical colleges and 2,000 faculty, staff, administrators, and presidents who serve more than 3.3 million students. Visit: www.nacce.com.
 

MCC offers new Crisis Response and Intervention Training credentials for law enforcement and community members

OMAHA, Neb. — Metropolitan Community College is offering a credential designed to give law enforcement officers and workers that commonly engage with people experiencing crisis new training and resources for responding safely and effectively. This fall, MCC Community and Workforce Education microcredentials in Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) are available in modules tailored to law enforcement (40 hours); public safety (24 hours); and allied health careers, education and customer care professionals (16 hours).

The two- to five-day classes began in November and are offered on an ongoing basis. Based on the Memphis Model of Crisis Intervention Training established in 2005, the CRIT curriculum offered at MCC incorporates new information on intellectual and developmental disabilities, including effective strategies for responding to people experiencing mental health- and substance use-related crises. The goals of the training include:

• Expanding knowledge of mental health conditions, substance-use disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Creating connections with people who are affected
• Enhancing awareness of community services
• Emphasizing the de-escalation of crisis situations
• Supporting officer safety and wellness

Dave Bell, MCC deputy police chief, said information covered in the module for law enforcement officers has everyday application. The training, offered in partnership with the MCC Fire Science Technology program, is designed to reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health conditions, increase empathy and grow participants’ confidence in their ability to successfully intervene in a crisis.

“Mental health is not a crime,” Bell said. “This training is very humanistic. CRIT’s overall philosophy is officer safety, public safety and diversion from the criminal justice system when possible. It shows that a police response isn’t always going to result in someone going to jail.

Bob Lausten, MCC Police training coordinator, said a unique aspect of the training, which is offered at the MCC Sarpy Center, is that it is provided in tandem by a lead law enforcement officer from the MCC Police Department and a lead behavioral health instructor from a partner organization. In addition to the learning modules, law enforcement officers will participate in role-playing scenarios covering a range of crisis events in which attendees receive real-time feedback on their response.

At the conclusion of the training, participants will take an exam, which they are required to pass for certification. In addition to the microcredential, completers will receive a CRIT lapel pin for display on their work attire so people they encounter during their work can identify them as a resource during a crisis.

The Nebraska Crime Commission requires law enforcement agencies to take continuing education for mental health training. The MCC CRIT credential is valid for three years.

“What really excites us about this training is its holistic approach and the ability to offer it beyond the law enforcement community. It is the latest nationally vetted curriculum, and it is also vetted by MCC Community and Workforce Education staff to meet the College’s standards,” Lausten said.

For more information, contact Bob Lausten at rslausten@mccneb.edu or 531-MCC-2222.

# # #

Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.  

 

Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation awards MCC $50,000 grant

Metropolitan Community College is the recipient of a generous $50,000 grant award from the Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation. The grant will go toward helping Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs at the College. This will continue to provide resources and support early access for high school students interested in the trades.

“This generous grant will go directly to students, helping them earn a degree in a career field that is in high demand,” said Scott Broady, dean of Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences. “This grant helps further the College’s mission by removing barriers to education and giving students valuable opportunities.”

About the Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation
The Johnny Baxter Carriage House Foundation is the charitable division of the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association. The foundation was formed in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, capable of receiving tax deductible contributions to provide the funding for charitable and educational activities to enhance the automotive industry in Nebraska.

# # #

Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.

Annual powwow returns to Fort Omaha Sept. 21

 OMAHA, Neb. — Metropolitan Community College will host the 33rd annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow on Saturday, Sept. 21, 1-7:30 p.m. on the Parade Ground of the historic Fort Omaha Campus, 30^th and Fort streets. The powwow celebrates Native American cultures with traditional dances, music, artistry, oral history, crafts and foods of regional tribes. 
 
This year’s theme is “One Heartbeat, Many Nations.” Powwow staff members are traditional artists who are leading Native American communities into the future. Fontenelle Forest Raptor Recovery Program will offer opportunities to see hawks and learn about raptors. Steven Tamayo, Sicangu Lakota, founder of Bluebird Cultural Initiative, will host a study circle on traditional games. 
 
This year’s master of ceremonies is Taylor Cheii Begay, Diné, with Samuel J. Grant, Umónhon, serving as arena director. Cory Four Killer, Omaha/Lakota Tribe, will serve as head man dancer while April Godfrey, Isanti Dakota, will serve as head lady dancer. The event also features a princess contest, with Summer Barea, Omaha Nation, serving as head judge. Maza Kute, Santee, Nebraska, will be host northern drum while Young Bucks, Sioux City, Iowa, will serve as the host southern drum.
 
Visit mccneb.edu/Powwow for additional details.
 
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating. Coolers are welcome. No alcohol or smoking is permitted.
 
The 33^rd annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow is made possible with the support of Douglas County, Nebraska, the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment, BNSF Railway Foundation and the Whitmore Charitable Trust. For more information, call 531-MCC-2253.
  Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest post-secondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.

MCC students to compete for International Space Station research opportunity

OMAHA (Sept. 5, 2025) — Up to 30 Metropolitan Community College (MCC) students will have the opportunity to participate in the ultimate distance learning project this fall. Through a partnership with the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESS), teams of MCC students will design and propose spaceflight experiments, with one MCC project selected for testing by astronauts on the International Space Station.

The nine-week flight experiment design competition is available to MCC students through a partnership with the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education’s Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP). Registration is open to all MCC students, including high school students participating in MCC dual enrollment programs.

Openings are available now for students who are interested in participating, with experiment proposals due Nov. 4. Guided by MCC faculty and staff mentors, student teams can design and propose microgravity experiments in fields such as seed germination, crystal growth, cell biology, food studies and more.

The MCC team whose project is selected will earn an all-expense-paid trip to the launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in summer 2026. The winning experiment will be delivered to the International Space Station via a SpaceX flight for testing in low orbit.

“It’s a unique STEM learning opportunity for our students — it’s not every day that they get the chance to team with astronauts as their lab partners,” said Cathy Brunkhorst, MCC dean of transfer. “We’re excited for our students to contribute to a national project while developing their research, experiment design and proposal writing skills.”

Students interested in participating can email LaunchToLearn@mccneb.edu for more details and to register.

MCC offers drone training courses for emergency first responders

Over the past few weeks, more than 40 first responders in Metropolitan Community College’s four-county service area and beyond have learned how to integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), better known as drones, into their work. Members of area police, fire and sheriff’s departments took classes on the MCC Fort Omaha campus to learn the rules, regulations and skills to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in national airspace. 

The FAA requires all UAS pilots to be certified to use drones, whether for commercial or personal use. Two-day courses taught by FAA-certified instructors will continue this fall at the MCC IT Express — Ashton location. The courses are designed to equip first responders with the training to use drones in accident investigations, search-and-rescue tasks and applications for a wide range of other emergency situations.

At the conclusion of course, participants will be prepared to take the FAA UAS 107 test to become a certified 107-compliant pilot.

“It’s a hands-on class with open flying time built in that helps first responders get comfortable using this innovative technology to aid them in the critical work they do for our communities,” said Todd Hansen, MCC associate vice president for Workforce Education.

Registration is open for courses that begin Oct. 16, Nov. 18 and Dec. 18. Past participants have included emergency responders from the following agencies:

• Blair Police Department
• Buffalo County Sheriff
• Dakota County Sheriff
• Douglas County Sheriff
• Fremont Fire Department
• Omaha Fire Department
• Omaha Police Department
• Polk County Sheriff
• Platte County Sheriff
• Washington County Sheriff

For more information about the training or to register, contact Stacia Payne at slpayne1@mccneb.edu or 531-MCC-2522. About Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.

Summer exhibition opens at the MCC Gallery of Art & Design

The MCC Gallery of Art & Design opens its summer exhibition on Monday, July 8. “Good on Paper – Works by Karen Kunc & Hannah Demma” features the work of Lincoln -based artists, Karen Kunc and Hannah Demma. Kunc and Demma served as jurors for the 2024 MCC Student Art Exhibition. 
 
Kunc’s innovative approach to woodcut printmaking results in mesmerizing color combinations and complex layers featuring nature-based and lyrical abstraction. Demma explores the ancient media of paper by transforming it into enthralling patterns and textures with the incorporation of other media, reductive processes and sculptural techniques.
 
The Good on Paper – Works by Karen Kunc & Hannah Demma exhibit will be on view at the Elkhorn Valley Campus through Aug. 15. Kunc and Demma will attend the closing reception for the exhibit at the gallery on Aug. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
 
Visit mccneb.edu/Gallery for gallery information and hours. 
 
About Karen Kunc: Karen-kunc.com
About Hannah Demma: hannahdemma.com
  About MCC
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.

MCC, iFixOmaha launch DeviceConnect Omaha

Device recycling and refurbishment program puts technology into hands of people who need them for free.

A new program at Metropolitan Community College will provide the public with free, refurbished, internet-enabled devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones. DeviceConnect Omaha, developed in partnership with MCC Digital Express and iFixOmaha aims to increase digital equity in the community. Individuals can submit a request for a device and receive refurbished equipment.

When consumers upgrade their digital devices, many leave the device they are replacing sitting idle in their homes. Through DeviceConnect Omaha, devices no longer in use can be dropped off at MCC Digital Express, located in Building 10 on the Fort Omaha Campus, where certified professionals with iFixOmaha will wipe the data, refurbish the technology, divert it from the landfill and put it in the hands of someone in the community who can put it to good use.

According to estimates from the 2021 American Community Survey, nearly 1 in every 10 Nebraskans lacks internet access, and in some pockets, more than 14% of households lack connectivity. Additionally, in three areas in which MCC has campuses — North Omaha, South Omaha and Dodge County — more than 15% of the population only has a smartphone for all of their computing needs.

Jason DeWater founded iFixOmaha, which also offers at-cost device repair service to the community at Digital Express’ Reboot Central service desk. DeWater said expanding the partnership with MCC to offer a device, refurbishment and recycling program is something he is passionate about. He knows there is a great need for it and views technology as an “equalizer.” During the start of the pandemic, he provided the service for free at iFixOmaha locations and saw strong community response.

“People need these devices. We know from doing this in the past that if our community knows there is a need, people will line up to donate their laptops and tablets,” DeWater said.

DeWater said in addition to partnering with MCC to offer the first mobile device repair academy in the nation, a goal was to have a presence on the Fort Omaha Campus. Nearly 9 out of every 10 customers that come to the Digital Express location have never been served by iFixOmaha in the past.

“It’s a really unique partnership, and it makes me so proud and happy to do anything we can to help support the vision for Digital Express and get these devices to as many people in the community as possible,” DeWater said. 

To request a device, visit donate.ifixomaha.com and fill out the form to submit a request for a laptop, tablet or smartphone; iFixOmaha will work to find a repurposed device that meets the needs of the end user. A form is also available to register to repurpose device(s), which provides instructions on the intake process.

When receiving used devices, tech professionals with iFixOmaha will safely wipe all data. The company has a AAA certification from the National Association of Information Destruction, a process that ensures data destruction companies are in compliance with industry standards and government regulations around information security.

Businesses are also eligible to repurpose devices. Technology no longer supported with software updates is also accepted. Any usable parts will be harvested, and unusable parts will be recycled. Devices will be screened for quality before being issued.

Devices are provided to recipients in the order in which requests are submitted. Visit donate.ifixomaha.com for more information.

Other learning opportunities at Digital Express 

Digital Express offers free programming to the general public for people of all ages. An AARP-sponsored class from its Senior Planet series is available for anyone age 60 and up to attend. Titled “Introduction to Digital Culture,” the class teaches attendees how to use the internet to connect with others, avoid scams, identify online health resources and more.

Introduction to Digital Culture meets twice a week for each five-week session. Space is limited. The class is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Register for the next available session by calling 531-MCC-2000.

SUNDERLAND FOUNDATION, MCC
INVEST IN FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

WITH ADDITION OF FOUR-STORY TRAINING TOWER

Through a grant funded by the Sunderland Foundation and Metropolitan Community College, a four-story fire science technology training tower has been added to the MCC Applied Technology Center location. Implemented for the 2024 spring quarter, the customizable, modular structure is expected to serve students and regional fire departments for the next two decades.

 The corrugated, galvanized steel, stackable training tower has an open floor plan and provides a flexible, safe space for advanced fire-rescue training activities. In addition to elevating the College’s Fire Science Technology program — the only educational institution in Nebraska to offer such a program — the infrastructure investment also aids resource-constrained regional fire departments. 

Many fire departments in the MCC four-county service area are volunteer agencies that stand to benefit from more accessible training opportunities offered by the new training tower.

“Every student, whether they’re in a high school academy or an adult learner in a working fire department, will benefit from the use of the tower because of its ability to create realistic situations firefighters would experience in the field, but in a safe, controlled environment,” said Jeffrey Strawn, MCC Fire Science Technology program director. 

The fire science training tower is a burn-free facility, which prevents exposure to carcinogens present during live firefighting. A smoke machine simulates the low visibility conditions firefighters experience in actual emergency response. From one location, the tower enables the following technical training exercises (and more) to be incorporated into the academic program, as well as the College’s advanced training workshops available to area departments:

• Advanced rappelling 
• Basic search and rescue 
• Confined space rescue 
• Forcible entry 
• Hazardous materials
• High- and low-angle rescue operations 
• Hose management • Incident command
• Ladder drills
• Roof venting
• Rope rescue
• Technical rescue
• Window entry

Strawn said students were previously able to access some of these training exercises at off-campus, community-based partner sites, which continue to serve the program. Having the full scope of training operations now available at the Applied Technology Center maximizes resources and the student’s time by providing them from a single site. 

“This building gives us the ability to do things on site that we had to either teach in theory before or leave campus to do. This helps us use the students’ time even more wisely,” Strawn said. 

On a recent tour of the new structure, Terry Barney, an MCC Fire Science Technology adjunct instructor and retired member of the Omaha Fire Department, demonstrated the flexibility of the space. With movable walls on the inside, floor plans can be changed, challenging students to rely on technique over memory. 

Performing a window rescue at the actual height it would take place on a ladder rather than simulating the technique on a shipping container at ground level is a closer representation of what a student will experience in the field. Barney said access to the tower will make MCC students more “street ready” because of the realistic training exposure it provides them.

“Whether throwing a 24- to 35-foot extension ladder or simulating the rescue of someone trapped on the second or third floor of an apartment building, being able to put students in several different training scenarios will make them better and smarter firefighters when they complete the program and go out to serve the community,” Barney said. 

MCC offers training and support to more than 20 regional fire departments, including the Omaha, Ralston, Fremont, Blair, Bennington and Gretna fire departments. The program plays a significant role in developing the first-responder workforce. Strawn said about a third of the 34-member November 2023 Omaha Fire Department recruiting class qualified by way of an MCC fire science program.

“The training tower is a huge benefit to the firefighting community because it supports the training needs of local jurisdictions well into the future. For departments serving areas like Springfield and Waterloo, putting a training tower on site would be a huge financial burden,” Strawn said.

High school students participating in the MCC Fire Science Career Academy will also use the new tower in their training exercises. Strawn said the program is grateful to have the support of the Sunderland Foundation and the MCC Board of Governors. 

“Our students are getting exposure they wouldn’t have received before that will help them get closer to a career in fire service and will strengthen the firefighter and first responder workforce,” Strawn said. 

The MCC Fire Science Technology program is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy. Visit mccneb.edu/FIST for more information about the program.

MCC Foundation announces 2024 
Distinguished Alumni Award winner

The Metropolitan Community College Foundation is pleased to announce Demetria Geralds as the recipient of the MCC 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. The annual recognition is given to a graduate whose achievement, service and commitment to MCC and the community is exemplary. 

Geralds is a multidisciplinary artist with experience in fashion, costume design and community cultivation. In 2018, Geralds became the first graduate of the College’s accredited Fashion Design program. She said a fond memory from her time in the Fashion program was traveling to the Garment District in New York to research and visit manufacturers that could help her scale her designs.

During her time at MCC, Geralds, a 20-year military veteran, worked in the Veterans Services Office, where she helped fellow veterans navigate post-military education.  She also was a dedicated and active member of the MCC Student Veteran’s Association. As veteran and MCC alum, Geralds continues to field questions about educational benefits and entitlements. She encourages her fellow vets to take classes — credit and noncredit — that are beyond their preferred programming to help them have a smoother transition to civilian careers. 

After graduating, Geralds quickly delved into the creative demands of fashion and costume design, setting high goals for herself and her craft. In 2023, she was credited as lead costume designer for an Emmy-winning in the Short Form Content documentary category. She also worked behind the scenes in the wardrobe department for the Tony-winning Broadway show, “Hamilton.”

Geralds remains involved in the MCC community, lending her expertise as a judge, guest panelist and mentor to support the MCC-sponsored Student Night at Omaha Fashion Week (OFW). Geralds said she is most proud of creating a scholarship from her 2017 OFW prize winnings (OFW), which provided art supplies to eligible MCC Fashion Design students. Additionally, Geralds is a regular guest speaker for the Principles of Fashion class, where she shares her insights on fashion, marketing and merchandising with MCC students. 

Geralds’ most recent ventures find her in the driver’s seat of her mobile art unit, known as the SowMobile. The SowMobile host workshops that make art, fashion and textiles accessible for all.
  

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About Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.  

MCC students excel at SkillsUSA Nebraska,
27 qualify for national competition in Atlanta

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) students had a strong showing at the SkillsUSA Nebraska Championships that wrapped up in Grand Island on Saturday. In total, 56 MCC students placed in their respective competitions, with 27 qualifying to compete at SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, June 25-27. The national competition features more than 6,000 of the top career and technical education students across the nation who will compete in more than 100 timed and judged competitions.

In total, 92 MCC students participated in timed individual and team competitions and were evaluated based on their performance executing competencies used in the skilled trades and technical sciences, creative arts and design, information technology, community and human services, business and health professions. More than half of MCC students medaled at the state meet.

“I am proud of how our talented students and dedicated faculty represented MCC at the event,” said Scott Broady, MCC dean of skilled trades and technical sciences. “From meeting peers who share their interests to earning scholarships for their education and networking with industry professionals, SkillsUSA is loaded with opportunities for Nebraska students.” 

Competitions took place among high school and college-aged students. In total, MCC students collected 31 gold medals, 15 silver and 10 bronze. All gold medalists in national competition events qualified to compete in Atlanta. Additionally, all MCC students who earned gold, silver or bronze medals were awarded scholarships that ranged from $1,500 to $750 and the opportunity to earn more scholarship funding at the national competition. 

Broady said MCC participated in new events at this year’s state conference, highlighting the growth of the College’s academic programs. MCC students debuted in 3D visualization and modeling, computer programming, information technology services, motorcycle service technology and power equipment technology competitions.

Broady said whether competing at SkillsUSA Nebraska for the first time or a returning national qualifier, SkillsUSA adds a lot of value to students’ time at MCC. 

“We’ll be taking a strong group back to Atlanta for nationals in June,” Broady said. “It’s a valuable experience for our students to compete against the top career and technical education students in the country while gaining important insights about their career path and developing leadership skills.” 

MCC students medaled in the following events: 

3D Visualization and Animation (college)
Gold: AJ Konecny, Eli Mohr
 
Audio/Radio Production (college)
Gold: Chad Fey, Olivia Naumann
 
Automotive Refinishing Technology (college)
Silver: Callie Nickerson
Bronze: Cole Fancher 
 
Automotive Service Technology (college)
Silver: Geoffrey Courtney
 
Carpentry (college)
Bronze: Naveh Offord

CNC Programmer (college)
Gold: Angelo Perry
Silver: Samuel Wulf
 
Collision Damage Appraisal (college)
Gold: Joseph Lytle 
Silver: Jeremy McBride

Collision Damage Appraisal (high school)
Gold: Clara Stilen
Bronze: Fernando Gonzalez

Collision Repair Technology (college)
Gold: Anne Dovali
Silver: Cody Mantonya
Bronze: Kaden Beckstrom
 
Collision Repair Technology (high school)
Gold: Cole Vanderheiden
 
Diesel Equipment Technology (college)
Bronze: Gerson Franco

Diesel Equipment Technology (high school)
Gold: Zack Carson 
Silver: Brody Coursey
 
Digital Cinema Production (college)
Gold: Kaden Andersen, Gabriel Ysusi
Silver: Mariah Abney, David Mosso
Bronze: Joshua Cryer, Brennan Hanson
 
Electrical Construction Wiring (high school)
Silver: Rhett Bergsten
Bronze: Liam Foley
 
Firefighting (college)
Gold: Winston Ruzicka

Firefighting (high school)
Gold: Jaxon Christensen
 
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (college)
Gold: Dustin Fredericks
 
Motorcycle Service Technology (college)
Gold: Blake Tarver
 
Photography (college) 
Gold: Ramses Barrios

Plumbing (high school)
Gold: Wyatt Zeleny

Power Equipment Technology (college)
Gold: Callan Scholz
 
Precision Machining Technology — state only (high school)
Gold: Brandon Gallo
Silver: Jenson Groff
Bronze: Aaron Adams

Technical Team Problem Solving — state only (high school)
Gold: Mitchel Budoff, Geoffrey Courtney, Gavin Griggs 
 
Television/Video Production (college) 
Gold: Oluwatobi Ajise, Paul Grinbergs
 
Welding (college)
Gold: Denver Fincham 
Silver: Porter Chandler
Bronze: Kamrin Kavan

Welding (high school)
Gold: Tyler Winsor

Welding Fabrication (college)
Silver: Eli Bothwell, Nicholas Kroupa, Maddie Watts 
 
Welding Fabrication (high school)
Gold: Josh Bennett, Aidan Roumph, Hunter Volcheck
 
Welding Sculpture (college)
Silver: Trevor Moody 
 
Welding Sculpture (high school)
Gold: Hannah Wieczorek

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About Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.
 
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. The organization improves the quality of our nation’s skilled workforce through the development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. SkillsUSA serves more than 335,000 students and instructors annually. This includes 19,500 instructors who join as professional members. Including alumni, SkillsUSA membership totals nearly 400,000. 

International Fair returns to MCC 

Metropolitan Community College’s annual International Fair will bring entertainment from around the globe to the College on Thursday, April 11, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. inside the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the South Omaha Campus, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave. The event is free and open to the public and will feature global displays, area organizations and a USCIS Naturalization Ceremony, which will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The event is aimed toward giving attendees of all ages the opportunity to learn about different cultures. To begin the day, the USCIS Naturalization Ceremony will welcome new U.S. citizens. Musicians, dancers and performers will then take center stage throughout the day, blending cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

The International Fair is presented with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

For more information, visit mccneb.edu/I-Fair.

Metropolitan Community College Celebrates 50^th Anniversary 

Metropolitan Community College is celebrating 50 years of providing exceptional community education. In honor of this milestone, MCC invites friends, alumni and supporters to join us at the 50th Anniversary Gala on March 9.

Since its inception in 1974, Metropolitan Community College has been a cornerstone of academic excellence, fostering a vibrant and diverse community of learners, educators and innovators. Over the past five decades, MCC has played a pivotal role in shaping the futures of countless individuals, contributing to the educational and economic growth of the region.

“As we celebrate our 50th year, Metropolitan Community College has an opportunity to reflect on what this institution means for those we serve,” said Randy Schmailzl, MCC president. “Although we have grown remarkably and the tools of our trade have changed greatly over the years, our mission of providing affordable, accessible and relevant education remains constant. The next 50 years will surely bring similar changes. It is good to know MCC will be there, helping our students and communities adapt and grow together.”

To commemorate this significant achievement, MCC is hosting a 50th Anniversary Gala on March 9 at the MCC Fort Omaha Campus. The evening promises to be a memorable affair, featuring a dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions and a walk down memory lane to reflect on the incredible journey of MCC over the last 50 years.

Individuals interested in attending the 50th Anniversary Gala can go to onecau.se/mcc50to purchase tickets, donate or participate in the silent auction. The attire for this event is semi-formal, and tickets start at $150. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact the MCC Foundation at 531-MCC-2346.

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of Metropolitan Community College's commitment to education, community and excellence.

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About MCC
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.

Holland Foundation makes historic investment in MCC students
$3 million endowed scholarship is largest ever in the College’s history

Metropolitan Community College received its largest-ever endowed scholarship from the Holland Foundation. The Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship, a $3 million scholarship program, will create pathways to postsecondary education in MCC skilled trades, health and technical science programs for students residing in the College’s four-county service area. Scholarships will be awarded beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.

Amy Recker, executive director of the Metropolitan Community College Foundation, said the Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship is anticipated to provide a minimum of 24 scholarships annually and prioritizes first-generation students in their postsecondary education at MCC, from high school dual credit through completion of eligible credit programs.

Deb Love, president of the Holland Foundation, said the historic gift reflects the importance the Holland family places on supporting public education at all levels.

“Dick and Mary felt a great sense of duty to make impact in the lives of students through philanthropy and saw scholarships as a great way to fulfill that mission,” Love said. “The trades, health and technical sciences are so important and in need of qualified workers. These programs offer students an opportunity to further their education, leading them into high-skill and high-wage jobs in the workforce.”   

In addition to tuition, the endowed scholarship can provide funding for fees, books and required certifications, as well associated tools, equipment and/or supplies. Financial need will be considered but is not required. Applicants with a cumulative 2.0 grade-point average at the time of application will be prioritized for aid.

“The Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship is a truly transformational gift to MCC and students in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge and Washington counties,” Recker said. “MCC is extremely grateful to the Holland Foundation for entrusting the College with this unprecedented investment in our students, programs and communities.”

The Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship is part of a series of gifts the Holland Foundation has recently made to area educational institutions. Love said in addition receiving the education and training students need to land quality jobs, the endowment provides a lasting way for future generations to understand and be inspired by Dick and Mary Holland’s desire to address the needs of the community’s most vulnerable through the arts, education and children’s causes.

“The endowed scholarship continues Dick and Mary’s legacy of giving. They were such observant, giving and caring people who always had a willingness in their hearts to help others,” Love said.

Visit mccneb.edu/Scholarships for more information or call 531-MCC-2400.     

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About MCC
Metropolitan Community College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a comprehensive, public community college that offers affordable, quality education to all residents of Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Founded in 1974, MCC has the largest enrollment out of six community colleges in Nebraska and is the second largest postsecondary institution in the state. MCC serves more than 40,000 unique credit and noncredit students.