Name: Carly Wacker
Position: High School Program Manager
Hometown: Wayne, Nebraska
Alma mater: SUNY Buffalo in Buffalo, New York
Years in the organization: 5 1/2 years
What do you do?
“My job is all about providing support.
I work with our amazing high school team, Program Coordinators and AmeriCorps Coaches, to provide programming to students across all of our nine partner high schools in six different districts in the Omaha Metro Area.
We support students with everything from test prep their junior year, to college and financial aid application support their senior year. We also have the privilege of helping students navigate that tough transition from high school to their first year of college.”
What do you love most about your job?
“I love seeing the impact of our programming and the successes of our students, because behind the scenes there’s so much teamwork and communication that makes it all happen.”
One issue you want to learn more about this year?
“I want to keep learning about the changes and long term impacts this pandemic will have on our students ability to access education and achieve their college dreams.”
Hobbies and interests: I spend my time outside of work with my husband, our two big fur-babies, and our 4-month old daughter, Isla. I also like to read, watch Netflix, go for long walks, camp, and be outside whenever I can.
Why College Possible?
“I came to College Possible because access to education should be a right for all, not a privilege for those who can afford it. I believe in working to solve educational inequity, and working in an atmosphere where people share a passion and a goal, and I feel the non-profit structure is very supportive and inclusive, and wanted to pair that with my educational interests.
I hope one day programs like College Possible don’t have to exist, and all students, regardless of where they come from, can achieve their educational dreams.
Read more stories, spotlights, and news articles at collegepossible.org/omaha/news.
