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At OPPD, we believe in embracing the diversity that makes America special. Through a variety of innovative programs, we’re working to promote inclusion and tolerance of people with varied backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender or lifestyle. When people feel recognized and respected for their uniqueness, they extend that recognition and respect to others, thus strengthening relationships, businesses and communities.
We invite you to learn more about how OPPD is involved in:
Teaching tolerance to youth
Alleviating discrimination
Teaching tolerance to youth
Our country’s future rests on our children’s shoulders, and OPPD is committed to helping today’s youth be the best they can be. Recognizing that children learn by example, we try to be strong role models by mentoring, volunteering in local schools and youth organizations, and supporting innovative youth programs.
Mentoring: Mentors help sow the seeds of pride, confidence and accomplishment – and OPPD employees are no exception. By selflessly sharing their knowledge and experience, they are making a difference in the lives of countless children in our service territory. Some of the programs our employees currently assist with are:
MESA – (Math Engineering Science Achievement)
INROADS – OPPD participates in this program, which trains and develops talented young people of color for professional careers in business and industry.
TEAMMATES – OPPD employees participate in this mentoring program that pairs adult volunteers one-on-one with middle school students.
BEEP – (Black Executive Exchange Program)
POWER YOUR FUTURE – The Omaha Public Schools and OPPD are developing a mentoring program for technical track high school students.
POWERDRIVE – The PowerDrive program challenges students to design and build electric vehicles. OPPD is in its ninth year of offering scholarships to students involved in the program.
SWIGART GOLF TOURNAMENT – Started in 1985, this tournament provides scholarship monies to students interested in the field of business administration.
In 1985, OPPD established a mentoring relationship with Gilder Elementary School in Omaha, NE. Employees are matched with students and, on a regular basis, provide caring, supportive friendship and role modeling.
Volunteering: OPPD has “adopted” a number of students in our service territory, and employee volunteers help with reading programs, coaching and teaching. Additionally, we are proud of our employees who volunteer their time and talent working with schools, health institutions and professional groups.
Poster Contest: OPPD's Diversity Advisory Council initiated a poster contest, challenging students to draw "What Diversity Means to Me." Participants were divided into four age groups and the winning entries were published in OPPD’s employee magazine.
Alleviating discrimination
Negative, prejudicial treatment can have devastating effects on people’s feelings as well as on their future. At OPPD, we are involved with programs designed to create positive opportunities for youth and adults through national partnerships and events.
Active in diverse communities, OPPD has partnered with the following key area organizations to raise awareness and to be an advocate for greater opportunities:
• Omaha Schools
• Bellevue Schools
• Papillion/LaVista Schools
• Omaha Catholic Parochial Schools
• Numerous business and community groups
View the list of links for OPPD and Diversity
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