Frequently
Asked Questions

Directions to Diploma eligibility requirements are broad. We focus on students who are struggling or who are completely out of school. Our Academic Navigators are not “building-based”, but follow their students from school to school; a majority of our students transfer between schools or into an alternative setting. Some may be withdrawn from school for a time and then decide to return. The supportive and trusting relationship between Student and Navigator is maintained as long as the student lives within, and can attend school, in Douglas or Sarpy County. Navigators support students who do not graduate in four years or may drop out of school for a short or extended time.

Success for one individual student results in a ripple effect of success that reaches into our community. Since 2011, we have served over 2,000 students, including 1,100 graduates and more than 250 students currently enrolled.

For us as an organization, we measure success through data. In 2025-26, 181 students graduated – a new record high – 96 students earned 146 of our elective credits, and 58 did this in their final semester. The rate of graduation amongst Directions to Diploma students is roughly equivalent to the Omaha Public Schools district-wide average.  

The effect of more students earning a high school diploma is felt within our community. This results in more working residents in better jobs, paying taxes, more postsecondary degrees and skills training, and more citizens civically engaged. Other benefits include less crime, decreased health care costs, and fewer people living in poverty or needing public assistance.

Academic Navigators

This is the core service of our program. Directions to Diploma Academic Navigators are education-focused case managers who check in with their students frequently and help with issues as they emerge to ensure every student is making progress and earning credits in school.

They are often on-the-go, meeting students where they are: school, home, or in the community. They stay by their side regardless of school or living arrangement changes and will work with them for months, or even years, until they earn their diploma.

Navigators find a balance between offering support and holding students accountable, cheerleading and pushing for excellence. Our Navigators celebrate successes big and small and provide encouragement during difficult times.

Career Navigators

To support student success after graduation, Career Navigators assist students with postsecondary planning and connections for both career and educational opportunities. They support students through scholarship application assistance, completing the FAFSA, and college admission materials; longer-term career exploration; college tours; job searches and applications; resumé creation; interview prep; and focused conversations on student goals, opportunities, and life obstacles. Services are also available to Directions to Diploma graduates.

Tutoring & Elective Classes

We offer three elective credit classes that focus on math and verbal skills, as well as postsecondary planning: Math Elective, English Elective, and Navigating Your Future.

We offer virtual tutoring in core subject areas on an as-needed basis. In-person tutoring at our office is available upon request.

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.

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.

Students have until the year they turn 21 to finish their diploma. Many of the students we work with need five years or more to complete high school. This is not unlike many successful college students who take longer than two or four years to earn their college degrees. The year in which students earn their diploma is far less important than having a diploma or not having one. Many students who leave high school and decide to return have learned valuable life lessons about perseverance – and about the difference a diploma can make in terms of job quality, training, and educational opportunities.

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.

There’s no one answer to that question. Every student is unique, so motivation looks different for each of them. Some of the motivators students may have include:

• Earning a better wage to support their family.

• Being the first in their family to graduate from high school

• Personal pride in achieving this milestone.

• Being a good role model for their child.

• Being better prepared for post-secondary careers, trades, or the military.

Our Navigators work directly with students to understand their circumstances and what drives them. Motivating each student is a balance of long-term benefits and personal goals.