Omaha’s diverse community brings together a wide range of cultures, perspectives and ideas — and programs like Youth Leadership Omaha aim to prepare students to help shape the city’s future.
Youth Leadership Omaha, hosted by Creighton University’s Heider College of Business, brings together high school sophomores from across the metro area to develop leadership skills and explore key sectors of the community.
“It’s a business program led by Creighton’s Heider College of Business,” Westside sophomore Aum Naik said. “The whole intent is to empower students into leadership positions so they learn about different sectors like development, infrastructure and healthcare, and get more interested in making a difference.”
More than 35 schools from across the Omaha area are represented in the program, creating a diverse group of students with a shared interest in leadership and community impact.
Naik said he sees the program as an opportunity to represent Westside beyond its athletic reputation.
“I feel like Westside is mainly seen as a sports school,” Naik said. “I want to show that we also have strong academics and capable leaders. YLO allows me to see what needs improvement in Omaha and how I can make a difference.”
Participants attend seminars that introduce them to real-world issues and careers across the city. Each session includes discussions with professionals, hands-on activities and opportunities to apply what they learn.
“We start at Creighton with a seminar, then travel to a site connected to the topic, like economic development or justice,” Naik said. “We hear from professionals, then do activities — like designing our own city and weighing the costs and benefits of different decisions.”
Naik said the program also emphasizes reflection and appreciation, encouraging students to write letters of gratitude as part of each session.
One area that stood out to him was Omaha’s ongoing infrastructure development, particularly in the downtown area.
“They have plans for expanding roads and making downtown more walkable,” Naik said. “They want it to be a place where people can just walk around and enjoy what the city has to offer.”
Youth Leadership Omaha runs through May 5, with applications and updates available through the program’s website and social media platforms.
Through the experience, Naik said he hopes to continue growing as a leader while contributing to the future of both Westside and the Omaha community.
