Career Cabs Return for 3rd Year, Connecting Panhandle Sophomores with Local Employers

September 4, 2025

The Snow-Redfern Foundation is proud to celebrate the return of Career Cabs, an experiential career exploration event for 10th-grade students across the Nebraska Panhandle. Now entering its third year, Career Cabs gives students a chance to step inside local workplaces, talk directly with employers, and learn about the skills and education needed to thrive in high-demand careers—right here at home.

This fall’s regional hubs and dates are:

  • Chadron — September 24 (hosted at Chadron State College)

  • Scottsbluff/Gering — October 22 (hosted at Western Nebraska Community College)

  • Sidney — November 19 (hosted at Sidney High School)

Each hub convenes 10th-grade students and school counselors from 23 public school districts across 11 Panhandle counties. Over the first two years, more

than 1,250 students, 100+ employers, and 100 volunteers have participated. This fall, another 600 sophomores are expected to explore career pathways, experience real work environments, and engage with employers about education, skills, and opportunities in the region.

“Career Cabs is a powerful example of what happens when communities come together around youth,” said Sara Wilcox, Executive Director of the Snow-Redfern Foundation and a member of the Career Connections leadership team. “Our role has been to help seed and sustain this collaborative work over the past five years, while elevating youth voice and strengthening the bridge between education and local employers.”

Career Cabs is a signature initiative of Career Connections of Western Nebraska (CCWN)—a collaborative, cross-sector effort guided by a diverse leadership team of partners from education, business, and community organizations. TCD serves as the backbone organization, coordinating day-to-day operations and logistics. Snow-Redfern Foundation is a founding partner and ongoing supporter of CCWN’s youth-powered pathways work, alongside partners including ESU 13, First National Bank of Omaha, and AHEC.

“This is not about one organization; it’s about our region,” added Wilcox. “Career Cabs helps young people envision a future here and helps employers meet the next generation of local talent.”

About the Snow-Redfern Foundation
Snow-Redfern Foundation invests in youth-powered pathways so young people can learn, lead, and build bright futures in Western Nebraska. We champion youth voice, community wisdom, and meaningful engagement, and we collaborate with partners across systems to strengthen opportunities that keep students rooted in the Panhandle.

About Career Connections of Western Nebraska (CCWN)
CCWN works to align education and workforce so young adults and families can stay, work, and thrive in the Panhandle. CCWN is managed by TCD and supported by partners and funders including Snow-Redfern Foundation, ESU 13, First National Bank of Omaha, and AHEC.

For interviews, photos, or on-site coverage opportunities, please contact Snow-Redfern Foundation at [email protected] or TCD at [email protected]g.