Opportunities for Hispanic / Latino Students
33 opportunities specifically for hispanic / latino students.
Nebraska Science Festival — Annual Free Public Science Expo
Nebraska Science Festival
Every April, the Nebraska Science Festival transforms Omaha into a month-long celebration of science — dozens of free events, hands-on activities, star parties, and public talks presented by scientists from UNMC, UNO, Creighton, and community partners. The signature event is the free Public Science Expo, held at the Durham Museum, where visitors explore hands-on science activities across biology, chemistry, physics, and health science. The 2026 Expo is April 18 from 9 AM to noon. Science Sundays bring hands-on activities to the Gene Leahy Mall every Sunday in April (1–2 PM). All ages, no tickets, no registration.
Closed (was April 18, 2026)
Barrientos Scholarship Foundation
Barrientos Scholarship Foundation
Scholarships of $250–$500 for Latino students pursuing the arts — music, visual arts, theater, or dance — at any accredited Nebraska college, university, or vocational school. Created to reduce financial barriers for Latino artists and performers.
Closed (was May 15, 2026)
NSF INCLUDES Initiative — Expanding Access to STEM for Underrepresented Communities
U.S. National Science Foundation
This NSF initiative funds organizations and institutions working to increase participation of underrepresented groups — including women, people with disabilities, and racial minorities — in STEM education and careers. Grants support collaborative projects that create systemic change in how STEM opportunities are accessed across communities. Local nonprofits, schools, and universities in Omaha and Council Bluffs can apply for funding to develop inclusive STEM programs. This is an institutional grant, not a direct award to individual students.
October 27, 2026
Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
U.S. National Science Foundation
This NSF program provides funding to colleges and universities to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who earn degrees in STEM fields. Alliances of institutions work together to support Black, Hispanic, Native American, and other underrepresented students through academic support, research experiences, and mentorship. Universities in Nebraska and Iowa can apply to join or form alliances under this program. Students benefit indirectly through their institution's participation.
November 20, 2026
Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST)
U.S. National Science Foundation
This NSF program funds the creation and development of research centers at minority-serving colleges and universities to enhance their capacity in STEM research. Funded centers provide undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on research experiences alongside faculty. Institutions in Nebraska and Iowa that qualify as minority-serving can apply to establish or expand a CREST center. Students at participating schools gain access to funded research opportunities.
December 4, 2026
NIH Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training (BURT) Program (T34)
National Institutes of Health – National Institute of General Medical Sciences
This grant funds universities to create structured research training programs for undergraduate students in the biomedical sciences, with a focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds. Participating students gain hands-on laboratory research experience, mentorship, and preparation for graduate school or health careers. Students apply to their university's T34 program rather than directly to NIH. Universities in Omaha with strong biomedical programs may be eligible to apply for or already hold this type of award.
September 25, 2028
Nebraska Enterprise Fund — Small Business Training & Micro-Loans
Nebraska Enterprise Fund
Statewide micro-lending and business development organization supporting underserved and low-income entrepreneurs. Offers a 5-week Business Acumen Training program, one-on-one business coaching, and micro-loans from $1,000–$150,000 for businesses that can't access traditional bank financing. Staff available in Omaha for in-person support.
Rolling / Open
EducationQuest FAFSA Completion Workshops
EducationQuest Foundation
Free in-person workshops across Omaha where students and families can complete the FAFSA with expert help. Available in both English and Spanish. Bring your tax documents and FSA ID — walk-ins welcome at most locations.
Rolling / Open
St. Juan Diego Community Center — Immigration Legal Services & Food Pantry
Catholic Charities of Omaha
South Omaha anchor serving the immigrant community for over 40 years, located at 5211 South 31st Street. Services include immigration legal support, a food pantry providing essential groceries to low-income families, and microbusiness and asset development assistance for aspiring entrepreneurs. Part of Catholic Charities of Omaha's broader social services network. Described as "an anchor and gateway to all, serving and helping immigrants on a path to success."
Rolling / Open
Civic Nebraska — Civic Leadership & Voter Engagement
Civic Nebraska
Civic Nebraska is a statewide nonprofit that strengthens civic participation through youth leadership, civic health programs, and voting rights initiatives. Programs include Nebraska's Kid Governor (statewide youth civic leadership program), voter registration and education outreach, and the annual State of Civic Life Conference. The 2026 State of Civic Life Conference is scheduled for May 19, 2026 in Lincoln. Civic Nebraska also publishes the Nebraska Civic Health Index and advocates for policies that expand civic participation and voting access.
Rolling / Open
OneWorld Community Health Centers
OneWorld Community Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Center with multiple Omaha locations offering medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and support services on a sliding fee scale. OneWorld explicitly provides LGBTQ+ affirming care including gender-affirming hormone therapy, PrEP access, HIV and STI testing, and mental health services for LGBTQ+ patients. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Specializes in serving uninsured and underinsured patients regardless of ability to pay. Includes health insurance enrollment assistance, interpreter services, and school-based health centers.
Rolling / Open
Common Soil Seed Library — Free Seed Borrowing & Plant Science
Omaha Public Library
The Common Soil Seed Library at Omaha Public Library is exactly what it sounds like: a library of seeds. Borrow up to 15 seed packets per month using your free library card, choose from 150+ varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, take them home and plant them. No need to return the seeds — grow them, save them if you want, or just enjoy the harvest. The seed library celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025. Available at all 12 OPL locations. An accessible entry point into plant biology, sustainable food systems, and seed saving — with zero cost and zero prerequisite knowledge.
Rolling / Open
Joslyn Art Museum — Free General Admission
Joslyn Art Museum
One of the finest art museums in the Midwest, and it's free to walk in. No tickets, no membership required — just show up to 2200 Dodge Street and spend as long as you want among 11,000 works spanning ancient Egypt to 20th-century American painting to contemporary art. Free guided tours run every Friday and Saturday at 1 PM and every Sunday at 2 PM — drop in with no registration. The recently expanded Joslyn includes the 42,000-square-foot Hawks Pavilion and a sculpture garden you can wander through. The museum is on the ORBT bus line at 24th and Dodge and has free parking in the north lot.
Rolling / Open
Omaha Poetry Slam — Nebraska Writers Collective at The Local Art Plug
Nebraska Writers Collective
The Omaha Poetry Slam is a monthly open mic and competitive poetry slam, held the second Saturday of every month at The Local Art Plug gallery in South Omaha. Doors open at 6:30 PM; the event starts at 7 PM with an open mic, followed by the slam. Open mic: anyone can sign up at the door and read. Competitive slam: bring three original poems, perform for up to 3 minutes per round, and be judged by five audience members on a 0.0–10.0 scale — top scorer wins $50. No experience required for the open mic. $10 suggested donation, not required to enter. Nebraska Writers Collective is an Omaha-based nonprofit that has run youth spoken word and community writing programs for years.
Rolling / Open
Opera Omaha Poetry & Music Project — Free Annual Public Concert
Opera Omaha / Nebraska Writers Collective
The Poetry & Music Project is an annual collaboration between Opera Omaha and the Nebraska Writers Collective. Each year, students in grades K-12 from Nebraska and Iowa submit poems on a theme — 2026's theme is Memory. Professional composers select poems and set them to original music. The work is premiered in a free public concert in May 2026, open to anyone. The poets, their families, and the broader community attend. Over eight years, more than 1,000 poems have been submitted. It's a rare chance to hear original compositions built from the words of Nebraska's young writers — music that wouldn't exist without them.
Rolling / Open
Heartland Workers Center — Worker Rights & Leadership Programs
Heartland Workers Center
South Omaha organization building power with immigrant and underrepresented workers across Nebraska. Programs include the Health and Safety Training Institute (HSTI) with OSHA-focused workplace safety trainings, a Workers' Rights program developing collective action and workplace advocacy, civic engagement through the "I Vote For My Family" campaign and "Becoming a Citizen Initiative," and the Family Leadership Institute for community leadership development. Regular community gatherings (Cafecito) connect neighbors across all programs. Serves the Omaha metro as well as Columbus, Fremont, Nebraska City, Schuyler, and West Point.
Rolling / Open
Do Space Digital Lab — Free Technology Access & Learning
Omaha Public Library
Do Space is Omaha's free technology resource center, now part of the Omaha Public Library system. Originally an independent tech library at 72nd and Dodge, Do Space merged with OPL in 2026 and equipment access was restored at the Milton R. Abrahams Branch (5111 N. 90th St, Omaha) in February 2026. A new permanent home with an expanded digital lab is being built within the Central Library, expected to open in April 2026. Do Space provides free public access to high-end computers, 3D printers, laser cutters, audio recording equipment, digital cameras, and technology classes. Classes and workshops cover coding, design, 3D printing, digital literacy, and more — all at no cost. An essential free resource for anyone learning tech skills, prototyping a product, or building a portfolio.
Rolling / Open
Iowa State University — First Cyclones Scholarship (Full Tuition, First-Generation Students)
Iowa State University Office of Admissions
The First Cyclones Scholarship is a full Iowa in-state tuition scholarship at Iowa State University specifically for first-generation college students and underrepresented students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential. "First Cyclones" acknowledges students who would be the first in their family to earn a college degree — one of the defining identities of many Omaha and Council Bluffs area students. This is a competitive award requiring a separate application. Recipients are among the most accomplished applicants in ISU's pool and represent a commitment by ISU to build a diverse, first-generation-friendly campus. Full in-state tuition value is approximately $9,500-$10,000/year — approximately $38,000-$40,000 over four years (verify current rate). Apply by the First Cyclones scholarship deadline — this may be earlier than the general admission deadline (verify at iastate.edu). COUNCIL BLUFFS STUDENTS: If you would be the first in your family to attend college, the First Cyclones Scholarship was created for you. CB first-generation students are Iowa residents — they pay in-state tuition and are fully eligible to compete for this award. This is one of ISU's highest-profile equity scholarships. STACKING: Full-tuition competitive awards like First Cyclones do NOT stack with automatic merit tier awards.
Rolling / Open
Latino Center of the Midlands — GED, ESL & Citizenship Classes
Latino Center of the Midlands
Omaha's largest Latino-serving organization offers bilingual adult education at their South location (4937 South 24th Street). Spring 2026 programs: GED preparation taught in Spanish, English Language Learning (ELL) at two levels, Pre-GED foundational coursework, U.S. citizenship interview preparation, and Basic Spanish Literacy. Classes meet twice weekly (Monday–Thursday, 2-hour sessions) or Saturdays (3-hour sessions). Spring 2026 semester runs January 20–May 16. Also serves over 3,600 individuals and families annually through mentoring, youth programs, nutrition education, home gardening, the city's largest youth internship program, and civic engagement.
Rolling / Open
The Union Inside/Outside Fellowship — Free Studio & Co-Op Access for Omaha Artists
The Union for Contemporary Art
The Inside/Outside Fellowship is the Union's annual program for artists based in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro. Five artists or artist collectives are selected each year by a jury of local and national voices. Fellows receive a free 400-square-foot studio at The Union for one year plus a complimentary Co-Op Studios pass — providing access to ceramics, textile, printmaking, film photography, and digital media equipment. Four of the five fellowship spots are specifically reserved for Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area artists. The program is designed for deep studio practice and community engagement: making work and sharing it with North Omaha.
Rolling / Open
League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha
League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha
The League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha (LWV GO) is a nonpartisan civic organization that promotes informed participation in government and democracy. LWV GO hosts voter registration drives, candidate forums, ballot issue education sessions, and a monthly "Books After Dark" civic book club. They also produce "Go Vote Omaha," a local civic education TV show and YouTube series. LWV GO advocates for voting rights, government transparency, and equal access to the ballot. Membership is open to anyone who supports the mission.
Rolling / Open
Nebraska Appleseed — Public Interest Law & Civic Advocacy
Nebraska Appleseed
Nebraska Appleseed is a nonprofit public interest law organization that advocates for equity and justice in Nebraska through litigation, policy advocacy, and community education. They work on issues affecting low-income families, immigrants, and people facing economic hardship — including housing, healthcare, education, and economic stability. Appleseed hosts public events including annual Legislative Update presentations, the Good Apple Awards gala, and educational forums open to community members. A valuable resource for understanding how to navigate and influence state-level policy.
Rolling / Open
Kiewit Luminarium — Interactive Science Museum with Free Access Pathways
Kiewit Luminarium
The Kiewit Luminarium on Omaha's riverfront opened in 2023 with 125+ interactive exhibits at the intersection of science, art, and human perception — exhibits that respond to light, shadow, sound, and motion. Programming includes Holland Talks, a lecture series bringing nationally known researchers to present accessible talks on topics like emotion, awe, and the science of perception; and Thursday Night Light, a weekly adults-only evening (7–10 PM) where guests explore exhibits with drinks from the bar. Free family memberships are available through partnerships with the Latino Center of the Midlands and Girls Inc. The Omaha Public Library offers Discovery Passes for free daytime admission.
Rolling / Open
The Union for Contemporary Art — Free Gallery, Theater & Community Events
The Union for Contemporary Art
An art center in North Omaha — at 24th and Lake — built because the neighborhood deserved one. The Union hosts free gallery exhibitions, theater productions, neighborhood arts programming, a community garden (the Abundance Garden), and Family Nights that open the building to the whole neighborhood. Founded in 2011 by Brigitte McQueen to address the historical arts access gap in North Omaha, The Union operates from the belief that art strengthens communities and that Black and brown artists deserve institutions built for them. The building sits a few blocks from the Great Plains Black History Museum and Culxr House, in the heart of North Omaha's cultural corridor.
Rolling / Open
Culxr House — North Omaha Arts, Music & Creative Community Hub
Culxr House
Culxr House is a nearly 8,000-square-foot arts and creative hub at 3014 North 24th Street, founded by hip-hop artist Marcey Yates in 2018 and established as a nonprofit in 2019. The building includes a performance stage with PA system and dedicated space for arts, music, civic engagement, and community events. Culxr House hosts all-ages events throughout the year — youth workshops, vendor markets, local fashion showcases, music performances, and civic programming. It operates as an incubator for local creatives: artists, musicians, designers, and entrepreneurs rooted in the historic North 24th Street corridor.
Rolling / Open
Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at UNO
Nebraska Business Development Center
The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at UNO provides free, confidential, one-on-one consulting services to Nebraska entrepreneurs and small business owners at any stage — from idea to established business. NBDC consultants help with business planning, financial analysis, loan packaging, market research, government contracting, and more. The NBDC is a statewide network funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Nebraska, making it free to all clients.
Rolling / Open
Metropolitan Community College — Free Learning & Tutoring Center
Metropolitan Community College
Free academic assistance across all subjects for enrolled MCC students. Staff includes specialists in reading, writing, math, ESL, and subject-specific support. Bilingual staff available in Spanish. Multiple campus locations across the Omaha metro. Particularly valuable for first-generation and ESL students navigating college-level coursework.
Rolling / Open
Iowa State University — George Washington Carver Scholastic Leadership Award (Full Tuition)
Iowa State University Office of Admissions
The George Washington Carver Scholastic Leadership Award is one of Iowa State University's most prestigious and competitive scholarships — covering full Iowa in-state tuition for exceptional student leaders. Named for George Washington Carver (who attended ISU), this award is specifically for students with strong academic records and demonstrated leadership, with a focus on underrepresented student groups. A separate competitive application is required. Recipients participate in a cohort leadership experience and have access to dedicated support resources. Full in-state tuition at ISU is approximately $9,500-$10,000/year (verify current rate) — making this a scholarship worth approximately $38,000-$40,000 over four years. Apply by the Carver application deadline — this is typically earlier than the general March 1 admission deadline (verify exact date at iastate.edu). COUNCIL BLUFFS STUDENTS: You are Iowa residents and fully eligible. The Carver Award has historically been particularly accessible to CB students because Iowa residency is inherent to the award. If you are a CB student from an underrepresented background with strong academics and leadership, this scholarship is worth a focused application. STACKING: Carver Award recipients do NOT also receive automatic merit tier awards (Loyal/Forever/True Scholar). Carver replaces them — it is a higher award.
Rolling / Open
OPL Discovery Pass — Free Museum & Nature Access with Your Library Card
Omaha Public Library
The Omaha Public Library's Discovery Pass program lets you check out free admission passes to 12+ cultural and science venues in the metro — including the Kiewit Luminarium, Fontenelle Forest, the Durham Museum, Lauritzen Gardens, and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. Reserve a pass online at omahalibrary.org or pick one up at any of the 12 OPL branch locations. All you need is a valid Omaha Public Library card, which is free for Douglas County residents. Each pass covers multiple people per visit — check each venue's specific pass terms. A single library card unlocks free access to most of Omaha's major science and nature destinations.
Rolling / Open
Vocal Fry — Monthly Spoken Word Open Mic at The Union
Nebraska Poetry Society / The Union for Contemporary Art
Vocal Fry is a monthly spoken word and poetry open mic at The Shirley Tyree Theater inside The Union for Contemporary Art in North Omaha. Co-hosted by the Nebraska Poetry Society and The Union, it runs every third Thursday of the month — doors open at 6 PM for sign-ups, performances start at 7 PM. Poets, storytellers, and spoken word artists of all levels are invited to sign up at the door. No experience required. Some performers are regulars; others are stepping to a mic for the first time. Either way, the room is welcoming. Free to attend and perform.
Rolling / Open
EducationQuest: Free College Planning
EducationQuest Foundation
Free college planning services for Nebraska students and families — including help completing the FAFSA, understanding financial aid, college application support, and need-based scholarship programs. Offered in English and Spanish.
Rolling / Open
Metro Young Latino Professionals Association (MYLPA)
MYLPA
MYLPA is Omaha's professional network for Latino young adults and their allies — open to all who support the mission. The organization hosts regular networking events, leadership development programs (including Board Masters Training for those interested in nonprofit board service), and community gatherings. MYLPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting Latino professionals across industries with mentors, peers, and career opportunities. They partner with major Omaha employers and civic organizations, providing access that is otherwise difficult to find.
Rolling / Open
Partnership 4 Kids — College & Career Mentoring
Partnership 4 Kids
Year-round mentoring and postsecondary support for students in 16 Omaha Public Schools from elementary through high school. High school students explore career interests, build financial literacy, and access college readiness support. The organization provides last-dollar-in scholarships to help members complete post-secondary education debt-free. 90% of participants come from low-income households.
Rolling / Open