Lincoln's CareerLadder Program Selected as Finalist to Receive $125,00

Media Contact:

New Americans Task Force Co-Chairs

Francisca Beltran, Commission on Human Rights, 402-441-7625

Lee Kreimer, Asian Community and Cultural Center, 402-217-3132

Public invited to vote in online contest

The Lincoln Commission on Human Rights (LCHR) today announced that the CareerLadder program of Lincoln's New Americans Task Force is one of five finalists for the Google.org Impact Challenge Nebraska. The winner of the challenge will receive $125,000. CareerLadder connects skilled immigrants and refugees to careers, digital resources, and a professional network while fostering economic opportunity and restoring dignity through work.

LCHR Director Mindy Rush Chipman urged the public to vote for CareerLadder at g.co/NebraskaChallenge. Votes are limited to one person and can be cast through July 30. The finalists have already received $175,000 in funding, and the additional funds are being awarded to the project that gets the most votes. If CareerLadder is selected as the winner, it plans to use the additional funds for case management, MyCity Academy and the Connectors Program.

CareerLadder was developed in Lincoln, but the services are being shared by partner agencies with communities across Nebraska. CareerLadder tools include the following:

• Pathway guides in the fields of engineering, law, nursing, accounting, and education provide step-by-step instructions for how skilled immigrants and refugees can pursue re-entering their former careers in Nebraska.
• The digital skills training includes resume development, email etiquette, internet safety, and Google G-Suite tools training.
• A leadership development program for immigrants and refugees fosters civic engagement, empowers participants to engage with local institutions, and develops greater social capital.
• A short-term, accelerated mentorship program connects skilled immigrant professionals with established professionals in their field for networking and connections.

Additional information about CareerLadder and the New Americans Task Force is available at NATF.lincoln.ne.gov.