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The Foundry Community exists to support, educate, and develop the Nebraska purpose-driven community.

  • Organizations Impacted

    300+

  • Foundry Members

    180+

  • Nonprofits Served

    61%

  • Students Served

    50+

 

*Data from the 2025 year.

TESTIMONIALS

 

Intern Foundry equipped me with the education, professional leadership skills, and something even more valuable - a vision for Nebraska's future. Through purpose-driven work, the program helped me move from a potential brain drain statistic to a community catalyst. I found my voice testifying before state legislators, built confidence mentoring peers, and discovered that staying in Nebraska isn't limiting; it's where I can lead the most meaningful change. Intern Foundry taught me that reversing brain drain starts with leaders who choose to stay, build, and inspire others to do the same.” 

— Livia Ziskey, Spring 2024 and Summer 2025 Intern Foundry Student

"The Intern Foundry program has been so important to OutNebraska. The process is so supportive and each student we've worked with has been highly motivated to add to our work,"

— Abbi Swatsworth, Executive Director, OutNebraska

"We love officing within The Foundry. The community connections are invaluable, the IF internship program has been incredibly beneficial to our organization, and the leadership provided by Julie is inspiring.  The Foundry team ensures that we are equipped with the tools and space to bring our mission to life and make an impact with our community."

— Tiffani Childress, Linked2Literacy

“One of the most important things I learned through the Intern Foundry program was how to blaze my own trail...I’m so grateful to the Foundry for helping me build that foundation.”

— Drew Baldridge, 2023 intern and 2024 coordinator

"The first meeting with [Base Camp Foundry] , I explained what my frustrations were, and they gave me the perspective shift I needed to make everything make sense. It was a relief because I was so close to getting there and I was stuck. Their help has re-positioned me to continue better prepared and better equipped."

— Base Camp Client

How to Celebrate Going Back to School

Pencil box open with schools supplies in it.

Well, it’s official. Summer has come to a close and school has arrived. If you have kids, you know going back to school can be less than exciting. They’re used to running through sprinklers and eating popsicles, but now they have to return to desks and math problems.

But, fear not! You can make your kids’ back to school time more enjoyable by having fun. Get started by checking out these ideas on how to celebrate your kids going back to school.

1. Make breakfast.
Your kids can have a special first day of school by eating a delicious breakfast made especially for them. Try making pancakes in the shape of the grade they’re going into, a healthy treat with the number of candles for their grade or an encouraging message. When your children start the day off on a good note, it’s only going to get better.

2. Have a photo shoot.
Many people take pictures for the first day of school, but you can spice things up by having an entire photo shoot. Use a bed sheet and some empty space to set up an area for pictures. Have your kids hold handwritten signs saying their age, grade and things they’re excited for during the school year. Make the pictures fun and silly to get your kids eager for school!

3. Host a party.
Get the neighborhood involved and try hosting a back-to-school party for your children and their friends. Kids and their parents can come and celebrate the last days of summer by relaxing in the warm weather. You can even offer fun games centered around going back to school, such as pin the tail on the teacher or a spelling bee.

4. Get crafty.
If you have some extra time and eager kids, get them engaged by working on back-to-school crafts. Search for ideas online and involve your children every step of the way by taking them with to get the necessary supplies. Later, kids can keep the crafts they made as a reminder for the school year, or bring them on the first day as a present for their teachers.

5. Send goodie bags.
Nothing gets kids excited for school quite like the possibility of giving things out. Check with the teacher beforehand and see about sending little goodie bags for your child to hand out to fellow classmates. It can be as simple as a colorful eraser, or as much as a small bag of candy, but make sure it’s approved by the teacher in advance.

6. Pack a lunch treat.
Everybody can use a little encouragement throughout the day. Give your children the boost they need by sending a surprise in their lunchboxes. Write out a note for them to keep, a small sweet treat, or go an extra step by even wrapping a tiny present. You can be confident that your kids will have a good first day from morning ‘til afternoon.

7. Celebrate afterwards.
When the first day of school is over, celebrate with your family by going out to dinner or for a treat that evening. Have your children share their favorite part of the day, something new they learned and their goals for the school year. Your kids have fun celebrating and you get to support local restaurants.

When it comes to going back to school, make the time even more special for your children. Get them excited and celebrating the return of the season by trying out some of these simple ideas. Have any ideas of your own? Try them out and get a jump start on the school year!