Omaha STEM Ecosystem

Educator applications are now open for Polar STEAM! Don’t miss an opportunity to bring polar science to your classroom.

The Polar Educators program facilitates virtual and field deployments to the Arctic and Antarctic for both formal and informal educators in the United States. The program aims to inspire transdisciplinary education about science in the polar regions, integrating art-based and science-based methods to promote critical thinking and engagement opportunities for learners.

The program works with faculty from community colleges, middle and high school educators, as well as informal educators who can incorporate polar science education into their work.

Additionally, Polar STEAM works with NSF-funded polar researchers seeking to elevate the broader impacts of their research through education and the arts. Working in collaboration with educators, artists, and writers, researchers will help increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of human and scientific endeavors in polar regions. Researcher recruitment is ongoing!

Application deadline: July 15, 2026

Apply now: https://polarsteam.info/application/

🚀 Nebraska's STEM efforts are reaching new heights.

Through the NASA Nebraska Space Grant and EPSCoR programs, students, researchers and startups across the state are helping advance real-world science while building Nebraska’s STEM talent pipeline.

The programs made it possible for a Nebraska startup to test a miniature robotic surgeon on the International Space Station. Students have also been involved with biomechanical, biomedical, robotics and cancer research.

Check out this recent article from Silicon Prairie News about these unique NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration research projects that are fueling Nebraska’s future workforce.

NASA funding supports innovation and research in Nebraska - Silicon Prairie News The NASA Nebraska Space Grant and EPSCoR programs are designed to support STEM education in the state. Startups like Virtual Incision and research projects on subjects from anti-cancer proteins to recyclable antimicrobial material have visited space as a result.

Nominations are officially open for the inaugural Nebraska Emerging Talent Awards (NETA), a collaboration between the Aksarben Foundation and Nebraska’s six community colleges.

These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations moving Nebraska’s workforce forward, from apprentices and interns to the mentors and employers who support their growth. Through six regional events across the state, NETA recognizes those building strong talent pipelines and creating meaningful career pathways.

Award categories include:

• Apprentice of the Year
• Apprenticeship Mentor
• Apprenticeship Organization
• Returning Intern
• Internship Mentor
• Internship Organization

By highlighting these stories, NETA showcases the impact of internships and apprenticeships in strengthening communities, supporting businesses, and driving long-term economic growth across Nebraska.

Nominations will be accepted through June 30, 2026

Submit your nomination here: https://aksarben.org/neta/