Students from King Science learned how to use aquaponics from Whispering Roots Inc., a nonprofit group promoting fresh, locally grown produce that partnered with the school this year. The project was coordinated through UNO's Service Learning Academy, and a group of UNO graduate chemistry students. Read More »
Featured here is a New York Times Editorial highlighting the success of LB 599.

The Nebraska Legislature took a strange road to a good result last week. It overrode Gov. Dave Heineman’s veto of a bill to provide free prenatal care to undocumented immigrant women.

Mr. Heineman agreed that government-financed health care for poor women was an acceptable thing, unless the women were in violation of immigration laws, in which case it was a terrible waste of taxpayer dollars. “Providing preferential treatment to illegals while increasing taxes on legal Nebraska citizens,” he said, “is misguided, misplaced and inappropriate.” Read More »
BBF Board Member Susie Buffett discusses the need for quality Early Childhood Services on the TODAY show. Buffett showcases Omaha’s Educare centers and highlights the need for additional supports during these critical years. To view the segment, click on the link below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Blog
 
Please VOTE daily for the P-16 Initiative
May 9 10:40 AM
BBF Blog

Please VOTE daily for the P-16 Initiative in the Service Learning Academy at UNO to receive the 2012 National Impact Service Awards in the “education” category!

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) seeks to learn about important innovations using service to impact key issues. These best practices in solution driven service will help to further the agency’s mission while recognizing outstanding impact in communities accomplished through service and volunteering. Specifically, CNCS seeks nominations for the “Service Impact” awards from grantees, strategic partners and service participants that exemplify the best in national and community service in the key issue areas of the Serve America Act and disaster services. The Service Learning Academy P-16 Initiative is eligible for this award in the “Education” category as a Learn and Serve America grantee.

Nebraska Digital Citizenship Week
April 27 3:02 PM
BBF Blog

P-16 Service Learning Project Earns Statewide Award
March 29 9:33 AM
BBF Blog
Omaha – The Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission (NVSC) will honor the work of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Blackburn Alternative High School and the Adams Park Community Center for their work on the “Food For Thought” project in 2011.

The project, part of UNO’s P-16 Initiative, will be honored as the “Outstanding Community Partnership in Education” on April 18 at the 2012 First Lady’s Outstanding Community Service awards ceremony. Nebraska First Lady Sally Ganem will personally present the award.

BBF & OPS Celebrate Opening of School-Based Health Center at Northwest High School
March 6 11:12 AM
BBF Blog

Building Bright Futures and Omaha Public Schools are celebrating the opening of the seventh Healthy Futures School-Based Health Center (SBHC) at Northwest High School.

National School Based Health Care Awareness Month
February 8 2:01 PM
BBF Blog

Did you know February is National School Based Health Care Awareness Month? The National Assembly on School Based Health Care has designated February as the month to recognize School Based Health Centers (SBHC) around the nation. Building Bright Futures along with OneWorld Community Health Centers and Charles Drew Health Centers have planned some great activities to help our SBHC take part in the celebration. Each health center will have a month long raffle for a $100 grocery gift card to Hy-Vee or Baker’s. Anyone who comes to the SBHC during the month of February for a medical visit or a tour will be eligible to enter the drawing. Each center also has specific activities planned for their host school.

Top 10 List for National Mentoring Month
January 11 1:22 PM
BBF Blog
Brought to you by the Midlands Mentoring Partnership (MMP)

January is National Mentoring Month. There are a number of ways you can make a difference this month - and throughout the year - and get involved as an individual or through your employer!

1. Mentor a child
Make a difference in a child's life, as well as your own. Mentoring offers benefits like improving self-esteem, keeping kids in school, and preventing risky behaviors.