2010 Funding Priorities
Funding Priority #1 is Education
Currently Omaha is experiencing an academic crisis for African American youth with a high school graduation rate of only 47%. Youth constantly feel like they are failing and turn to the streets for their education. Youth that drop out of school are more likely to be enrolled in public insurance and estimated to incur $83,000 in additional health costs during a lifetime. 75% of prison inmates are high school drop outs. Increasing the education level of dropouts would remove 292,000 people from welfare and significantly increase the quality of life for children, families, and the community.
Impact of the Hope Center for Kids on education.
Last year, every child from ages 5-19 years old, received academic tutoring and support. Partnerships with families, schools, and donors resulted in 92% of our seniors graduating high school! Kids are now choosing education over the streets and have started to enjoy the process of learning. Last year, 69% of our graduating seniors went on to college.
Funding Priority #2 is Employment
The unemployment rate for African Americans in Omaha ranks 8th in the nation at more than 17%. Without help today for our youth, this generational cycle will continue. Youth that drop out of high school will earn approximately $260,000 less over their lifetime.
Impact of the Hope Center for Kids on employment.
The Hope Center employment program offers a job training program that teaches youth how to fill out an application, complete a resume, interview for a job, and be a responsible employee. After training, youth are given practical, on-the-job experience through 21 part-time positions offered at Hope Center and Hope Skate. The Hope Center is where kids come to become leaders.
Funding Priority #3 is Kids Café
Omaha has the 3rd highest African American poverty rate among America’s 100 metro areas and ranks #1 in the nation for the highest level of child poverty for African American children with nearly 6 of 10 children living below the poverty line. 80% of the youth at the Hope Center are raised by single mothers.
Impact of the Kids Café.
The Hope Center has the largest Kids Café in the state, serving almost 20,000 meals a year. The youth at the Hope Center are learning about healthy eating and healthy food choices. Youth that drop out of school are estimated to incur $83,000 more in health care costs due to unhealthy living choices.
