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Your Partner in Academic Support

Refer Now
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Educators are Critical to Student Success

Not every student follows a traditional path to obtain their high school diploma. Educators play an important role in identifying challenges or needs that students may have in their high school career. We work with local educators to best support students in achieving their academic and career goals. Partnering with Omaha Public Schools (OPS) and other local districts, we engage students in a nonjudgmental way to help them reach graduation.  

Every Student Deserves Support

To qualify, students must be ages 15-21 and have completed 9th grade. Students may be out-of-school, disengaging from school, off-track to graduate on time, or attending an alternative education program. Students must be able to earn a high school diploma by age 21. Our program is voluntary and students’ buy-in is essential to their success. Student populations that may also benefit from Directions to Diploma services include:

  • Students who are pregnant or parenting

  • Students who need an adult advocate

  • Students with poor school attendance or who are attending but not making progress towards graduation

  • Students who will be emancipated or living independently 

  • Students who face a unique home life

  • Students who are English Language Learners

  • Students transitioning from traditional high school to an alternative setting

  • Students who need elective credit options

  • Students wanting career and/or postsecondary assistance

  • Students wanting to pursue a GED, but should consider finishing their diploma

Referral Process

  1. Apply Online: Complete with or on behalf of the student. Be sure to include your name in the Referral Source field so we can connect with you during the intake process.

  2. Interest Form: If the student is not quite ready to apply, help them fill out an interest form; we will call the student to discuss our program and help them apply if they wish.

  3. Consent Forms: Two consent forms are required as part of the application process.

    Directions to Diploma Consent Form:
    English   |   Spanish

    OPS Consent Form:
    English |   Spanish

    If you or your student is 18 or older, they can sign and date these consent forms themself. If you or your student is under 18, a parent/guardian will need to sign and date. If you’re attending a school district other than OPS, we’ll assist you with getting their consent form.

    The school district consent allows us to access school records, and Directions to Diploma consent allows us to work with the student. Please download, sign, scan, and email both forms to Info@DirectionsToDiploma.org or drop off at our office. We are unable to accept electronically-signed forms at this time.

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  1. Intake Interview: Our intake specialist will contact the student to schedule an intake interview. In most cases, the interview will take place over the phone.

  2. Connect to Academic Navigator: We will contact you if there are issues completing intake and, when complete, connect the student with their Navigator.

OPS Reengagement Partnership

The Omaha Public Schools/Directions to Diploma Reengagement Project is a partnership where our teams work collaboratively to reengage students who have withdrawn from school. The goal is to encourage these young people to reconsider the possibility of earning a high school diploma and assist with reenrollment.

Directions to Diploma staff connect with students and family in a variety of ways to help with the enrollment process, review placement options, and provide guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We specialize in working with students who may be on a nontraditional path to their high school diploma. This could include leaving school completely for a time, transitioning to an alternative program, or struggling with attendance and grades in a traditional high school. We recognize that students face many obstacles, many of which occur outside of school and outside their control. Our approach balances empathy with accountability, academic progress, and building an understanding of the importance of students earning their diplomas. If you’re not sure if your student would be right for our program, please call us at 402.502.8534.

  • We offer three elective credits:

    • Navigating Your Future

    • English Elective

    • Math Elective

    Each class is taught by a Nebraska-certified teacher. Students meet with the teacher in-person to review the syllabus and receive materials. After that initial meeting, most work is done virtually, with in-person meetings as needed. Students must be passing required classes to participate in Directions to Diploma electives. Credits are accepted by Omaha Public Schools and Ralston Public Schools. We do not offer any required courses.

  • The core philosophy of Directions to Diploma is to build one-on-one relationships with students, highlighting the positive impact of a caring and supportive adult that will guide them to graduation. Our diverse team of Academic Navigators allow us to pair students with an academic coach who best fits the student’s needs. Academic Navigators have access to vital school information as well as the student while at school and become an integral part of an “educational team” focused on student progress.

    They may refer their students for tutoring, elective credits, and postsecondary assistance as needed. Navigators visit with parents and other adults who are also supporting the student. They may make home visits, go to court, and refer their students directly to community resources. Through it all, the Academic Navigator is a key resource for the student, available to assist and advocate, but also to hold the student accountable for taking charge of their education.