Community invited to help put technology, creative tools and career-building equipment into the hands of Omaha young people
OMAHA, NEBRASKA – August 28, 2026 – The renovation is taking shape. Now, The Bay is inviting Omaha to help bring to life what happens inside the building.
Today, The Bay, a 501c3 nonprofit that serves youth ages 4-24 in Omaha and Lincoln, launched a $500,000 public fundraising campaign to equip The Bay Omaha, a new 40,000-square-foot hub for youth creativity and workforce education currently under construction at 6120 Military Ave. in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood. The facility is set to open in the second quarter of 2027.
Through a public-private partnership involving the State of Nebraska, Douglas County, the City of Omaha, and Omaha’s philanthropic community, a long-vacant building is being transformed into a third space where young people can spend their time after school, in the evenings and on weekends – discovering interests, building skills, finding community and preparing for what comes next.
The City of Omaha’s newly approved 2027 budget includes $25,000 for youth programming at The Bay, signaling the City’s confidence in The Bay and its work with Omaha young people.
“It is absolutely imperative that the entire community finds ways to invest in our young people,” said Omaha Mayor John Ewing. “I like to remind our City that our youth and young adults aren’t our future; they’re our right now! This cool, unique third space will not only serve as an additional place to participate in programming and hang out, it will also directly save lives.”
The new public campaign gives the entire community an opportunity to help fill that building with the tools and equipment that will make those experiences possible.
“Omaha has already stepped up in an incredible way to make this building possible. Now we’re asking the entire community to help us bring it to life,” said The Bay Executive Director Andrew Norman. “Every contribution helps put a real tool into a young person’s hands, something they can use to create, learn, build confidence and begin imagining what their future could look like.”
Campaign contributions will support equipment across The Bay Omaha’s programs and spaces, including computers, cameras and filmmaking equipment, music and recording technology, fashion and design tools, esports equipment, skateboarding gear, and other technology and creative resources. Specialized equipment will provide access for people with physical disabilities.
Contribution levels
→ $30 can provide an adaptive gaming controller
→ $80 can provide studio monitoring headphones
→ $250 can provide a full set of professional-grade skateboarding protective gear
→ $750 can provide a drone for photography, filmmaking and technology education
Larger gifts can help purchase equipment such as professional cameras, 3D printers and embroidery machines.
Building on growing demand in Omaha
The campaign comes as The Bay prepares to dramatically expand its ability to serve Omaha young people. Since 2022, approximately 3,000 young people have participated in programs offered by The Bay and its Omaha partners at the Benson Community Center and other locations across the city. Demand has continued to grow, with nearly 100 young people placed on program waitlists in 2025 alone.
When The Bay Omaha opens, the organization expects to have the capacity to reach more than 2,500 young people each year, creating significantly more opportunities for youth to access safe, supportive spaces during at-risk hours.
“The Bay feels like home. I can always come here and have a good time, and there are so many good people here,” said Cyprice Martinez, a 15-year-old regular at The Bay’s temporary space in the Benson Community Center. “I feel like they’re always going to be there for you, even at your lowest times.”
The new facility will bring many of The Bay’s programs and experiences under one roof, creating opportunities for young people to explore everything from skateboarding, music and digital media to fashion, technology, entrepreneurship and career pathways.
Through a partnership with Metropolitan Community College, The Bay aims to help young adults connect their interests to skills, credentials, college, and meaningful careers, including in manufacturing and skilled trades.
“We’re proud to support The Bay and its mission to empower young people through creativity, connection, and real-world learning,” said Randy Schmailzl, president of Metropolitan Community College. “We look forward to growing our partnership to help create accessible, welcoming spaces where young people can discover their passions and build valuable skills.”
Omaha can help build what’s possible
The public campaign is designed for contributions of all sizes to make a tangible impact.
“Whether someone can give $10, $25, $100 or more, every contribution will join others across the community to help turn newly constructed rooms into spaces where young people can create, experiment, develop skills, build relationships and discover what they are capable of,” said The Bay’s Senior Development Director Morgan Ormsby.
The Bay aims to raise $500,000 to equip the building ahead of its opening in the second quarter of 2027.
To contribute and learn more about The Bay Omaha, visit www.thebay.org/buildwhatspossible.
About The Bay
The Bay is a youth development nonprofit that operates inclusive spaces in Lincoln and Omaha, and programs for young people ages 4-24. Through skateboarding, music, art, technology, career exploration and workforce education, The Bay connects young people’s interests to real-world opportunities. These experiences help young people build skills, relationships and pathways toward education, employment and adulthood.
Learn more at thebay.org.
Media Contact
Django Greenblatt-Seay
Senior Marketing & Communications Director
The Bay
django@audreythebay.org
