Nebraska Innovation Labs Foundation

Paid training that opens the door to a software career.

Nebraska Innovation Labs Foundation is an Omaha nonprofit that prepares underserved and underrepresented individuals for careers in software development. Participants learn on site, are paid as W-2 employees, and are mentored by senior developers.

Capable people are screened out before they start.

Access to technology careers often depends on prior experience, professional networks, or formal education. Many capable people never get a first chance.

Paid training changes the question. A participant does not have to choose between learning and earning, so the people who can join are defined by motivation, not by who can afford to work for free.

Our focus is on underserved and underrepresented individuals, including first-generation and non-traditional students, immigrants, learners from rural and suburban communities, and people who were underemployed. We exist to widen the entry point into software development and strengthen the region's technology workforce.

How the program prepares people

Learn the fundamentals

Structured instruction in core software development concepts, problem-solving, collaboration, and industry-standard tools.

Learn from senior developers

Instruction and mentorship led by experienced senior developers, on site in Omaha.

Grow as professionals

Workplace communication, accountability, and the practical habits employers expect, taught alongside the technical work.

See who the program is for and what participants learn

Results so far

21program participants
100%placement rate
18 to 30ages, split evenly

Participants have been placed with employers including the Department of Defense, Union Pacific, Fiserv, Mutual of Omaha, First National Bank of Omaha, CACI International, Rocket Companies, and more.

See who participates and who we work with

Organizations that support our work

  • Bread for the Journey Omaha
  • The Sherwood Foundation

Help train the next group of developers.

Gifts and partnerships are arranged directly with our team. Tell us what you have in mind.