Five Omaha area students are gaining work experience at UNMC this summer as part of the citywide Summer Training, Employment, Pathway & Urban Pipeline (Step-Up) Omaha Program.
The program places young adults ages 14-21 in summer employment to allow them to get work experience that can lead to careers or college.
This year’s participants are Brianna Miller, of Westside High School; Gabriel Schueth and Arsene Kasusa of Central High School; Vic’Taijha Blakey of Omaha North High School; and EliJahiana Parker, a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The group is working in various offices around campus, from the chancellor’s office to the otolaryngology department to facilities to the human resources office.
“It’s really been great so far,” said Parker, who is working in the chancellor’s office and got to meet Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. Parker, who hopes to attend medical school, also is planning to meet with College of Medicine Dean Brad Britigan, M.D.
Kasusa, who is working with facilities, said he has had a great time.
“This is my first work experience,” he said.
Assistant Vice Chancellor/Director of Human Resources Aileen Warren has personal experience of the value of programs such as Step-Up.
“When I was in that age bracket, I had an opportunity to go into a business and learn some basics — effective communication, being on time, teamwork, and problem solving — some of those basic skills that are so needed to be successful,” she said. “To be able to plant that seed so early is invaluable.”
The program offers avenues for students like Parker, as well as others who are looking for more than job training, she said.
“Some of it is definitely to provide on-the-job training type of activity, but some of it is to expose our youth to the various career options that are available,” Warren said. “For the young lady who wants to get into medicine, how ideal is it to come to the medical center and be able to have a job here for the summer and get a feel for what that is like.”
Warren’s goal is to expand the program on the UNMC campus in future years.
“We could always take on more young people, so to be able to do it again this year is outstanding,” she said. “We’re in it for the long haul.”
Great program! Congratulations Elijahiana Parker! It is always a pleasure to see High School Alliance alumni on campus.
The ENT and PM&R departments have the pleasure of working with Brianna Miller this summer. She is an intelligent, polite and professional person who has already significantly contributed to an already dynamic overachieving team. She fits in well and will be successful in whatever path she chooses in life. Welcome!
It is exciting to be a part of the STEP UP Program again this year. Thanks to the UNMC team members who are assisting. Your time and efforts are appreciated.
Vic'Taijha Blakey stepped onboard and from the very first day she has proven to be a Rock Star for our Human Resources Team! Very professional, prompt, attentive and has a smile that's warm and contagious!