The Teen Center
About The Teen Center
The Teen Center gives Burke High School students in Omaha a place to land after school, and sometimes during the school day, with tutoring, mentorship, meals, and support for school, college, health, and family needs. That matters because it is built around what students actually need in the moment, not just one piece of the puzzle. For donors, it is an easy one to understand: help students stay supported at school, at home, and on the path after graduation.
What sets The Teen Center apart is how rooted it is in Burke High School itself. Students can come for academic help, family support, health and wellness programming, or alumni services, all through one familiar place and one connected staff team.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Academic assistance
Tutoring, academic electives, incentives, and access to technology, schoolbooks, and school supplies.
Post-secondary preparedness
ACT prep, college and career exploration, and financial literacy.
Health and wellness
Classes include sexual decision making, cooking and nutrition, open gym, dance fitness, and expressive arts group counseling.
Family support services
Family nights, tax prep and FAFSA events, holiday assistance, and community counseling.
Alumni support services
Mentoring, academic and career counseling, alumni reunions, and service navigation.
Return To Learn protocol
During the school day, students can come to the Teen Center seeking academic or emotional support from trusted adults in a structured academic setting.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Our mission is to promote opportunity for students through intentional after-school programming that provides education, exposure, and mentorship.
Who they serve
Burke High School students in Omaha, Nebraska, along with their families and alumni.
Their impact
- Scholarship dollars awarded annually: $13,250
- Youth served daily: 58
- Youth have a staff mentor: 100%
- Meals served annually: 5,062
- Annual distribution of scholarships: $18,000
How your donation helps
- High quality after-school programming
- Student scholarships
- Meals for students
- Mentorship and student support services
Our story
The Teen Center grew out of a long partnership between St. Luke United Methodist Church and Burke High School. After St. Luke noticed students waiting around for transportation or for working parents to pick them up, the team renovated more than 10,000 square feet in the building and opened an after-school program in 2007. The center later formed its own 501(c)(3) in 2021.
Need help?
How someone in need can access The Teen Center’s services.
Teen Center exclusively serves Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska. Applications are available in the Teen Center classroom 251 and in the Guidance Office, and completed applications may be turned in there. Applications are reviewed and students and families or guardians are contacted about membership; the program maintains a waitlist annually and there is no cost for applications or membership.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Being able to have Miss Julie in the building when I needed advice, a moment to calm down or help finding resources has been awesome for me. I have overcome a lot this year and having this relationship is very helpful.
Having access to Teen Center makes me feel safer during school because I know that if I'm having a hard time, I always have someone I can rely on.
Events
Legacy Gala
annualAn annual gala whose proceeds directly benefit the Teen Center.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles The Teen Center has shared.
Current needs
- Volunteers for one-to-one and small group tutoring
- Volunteers for special projects, events, and committees
- Silent auction item donations for the Legacy Gala
Volunteer opportunities
- One-to-one tutoring
- Small group tutoring
- Special projects
- Event support
- Committee service
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can apply to Teen Center?
It serves Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska.
How do students apply?
Applications are available in the Teen Center classroom 251 and in the Guidance Office, and students can turn them in in either place.
Is there a cost to join?
No. There is no cost for applications or membership.
What happens after an application is submitted?
Applications are reviewed, and students and their families or guardians are contacted about membership.
Does Teen Center keep a waitlist?
Yes, Teen Center maintains a waitlist each year.