Community Engagement

Agents of Change in Omaha and Beyond

CPACS was created as an agent of change, first in Omaha and then beyond. As the community evolves, so does the College of Public Affairs and Community Service—a leader, both on the campus, in the city of Omaha and throughout the state of Nebraska.

Partnerships, Special Events, and Local Community Outreach

Aviation Pathway Programs - The Aviation Institute has established pathway programs with Southwest Airlines, Jet Linx Aviation, Republic Airways, Envoy Air, and Mesa Airlines. Students from the program can begin to apply for and interview for pilot positions within the airlines during their sophomore year. If they successfully complete the interview and meet the program criteria they are given conditional job offers.

Aviation Career EXPO - During the first week of the fall semester the Aviation Institute hosts its annual Career EXPO. Over 25 companies representing flight training providers, internship companies, airlines, student organizations and more are represented. Students get the chance to interact with the companies and build their network for future career opportunities.

Aviation Honors Convocation - In April of each year the Aviation Institute Honors Convocation his held to highlight the accomplishments of our students and to thank all the donors and supporters from the past year. Each year the Aviation Institute award over $25,000 in scholarships to its students.

Be a Santa to a Senior - Annually the Department of Gerontology features a holiday tree from which faculty, staff, and students are welcome to select an ornament and provide a gift for a senior citizen in need.

Begin with the End in Mind - This series of monthly lectures is held in January, February, and March. All topics focus on age related issues whether you are caring for an aging parent or contemplating your own aging. Attendence is free and open to the public, including UNO faculty, staff, and students.

Bowling Fundraiser - A bowling fundraiser and winter holiday family support project where Goodrich scholars contribute and connect to a local non-profit through donations, gifts and other support.

Burke High School Program - Several classes are offered at Omaha Burke High School as dual enrollment, including Private Pilot Theory and Aviation History classes currently with plans to include Introduction to Aviation and Aviation Safety classes by 2016.

CPACS Alumni Award Celebration - The individuals honored with the alumni award for excellence in public service demonstrate, through both their daily deeds and greatest achievements, the finest attributes of public and community service: integrity, stewardship, volunteerism, leadership, and a commitment to social justice and human dignity.

Dr. Chuck Powell Memorial Lecture Series - This lecture series is presented by the Department of Gerontology and focuses on leadership and wisdom gained as we age. It is held in September every year and is open to university gerontology students, alumni, faculty, and the community.

Durham Lecture Series - The Durham Lecture Series is designed to recognize individuals that have made an impact locally, regionally, nationally, or around the world in the field of aerospace. As part of the program individuals are recognized with the William F. Shea Distinguished Service for their outstanding contributions to the aerospace industry.

Exploring - The Aviation Institute hosts an Exploring Post, which is part of Boy Scouts and the Learning for Life's career education program for young men and women aged 14-20 years. The post meets once a month for seven months with the purpose exposing students to careers in aviation through tours, guest spearkers, discussions, and various hands-on learning experiences.

Goodrich/Partnership 4 Kids Futures Fair - A collaborative event where Goodrich scholars serve as mentors for hundreds of students from Partnership 4 Kids, and immerse in activities that galvanize their interests and explore certain educational or academic habits that helps facilitate their educational and professional futures.

Jailhouse Scramble - An annual golf scramble held each September hosted by the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. All proceeds raised provide scholarships to students studying criminology and criminal justice on the UNO and UNL campuses. All are welcome to join in the fun.

Jet Linx Aviation Institute Golf Classic - The Jet Linx Aviation Institute Golf Classic is the largest annual fundraising program of the Aviation Institute. Each year the Institute raises money to support and expand its scholarship program. Since 2013 the Institute has teamed up with Jet Linx Aviation and since 1996 raised over $100,000.

Rural Initiatives - Service-learning excursions that enlarge Goodrich scholars' sense of place through first-hand experiences with the culturally vibrant, rural regions of their home state.

UNO Athletes and Elders: A Community of Interest - A community engagement program which connects UNO athletic team members with elders living in residential facilities.

State and National Support Resources

Nebraska State Data Center - Cooperative program with the U.S. Census Bureau which provides easy and efficient access to data and information; conducts an annual training series; offers expert assistance with data retrieval and analysis; and coordinates a network of three coordinating and 20 affiliate organizations throughout the state.

State Public Policy Initiative - Includes reports completed for the Nebraska Legislative Planning Committee and other policy documents.

William Brennan Institute for Labor Studies - An outreach unit of CPACS with a statewide mission to foster creative and critical thinking among labor leaders, potential leaders and interested members by providing relevant information and training in the skills needed in today's changing economy and workplace.