Afterschool and Summer Programs for Single Mothers in Nebraska

Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Rachel

Last updated: September 2025

Quick Help Box

• If you need safe care this week: Apply for the Nebraska Child Care Subsidy right now through the iServe/ACCESSNebraska portal and call Economic Assistance at (800) 383-4278 to flag urgent work hours. Use “Submit Documents” to upload a job offer or work schedule. Apply or manage benefits on ACCESSNebraska/iServe. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• If you need food for after school or summer: Find free kids’ meal sites and summer meal pick‑up options, or call the National Hunger Hotline at 1‑866‑3‑HUNGRY (1‑866‑348‑6479). USDA Summer Meals Site Finder. (fns.usda.gov)
• If you have a school‑age child: Ask your school about a 21st Century Community Learning Center (CLCC/CLC) spot first. These are often free. If your school doesn’t have one, check YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Parks & Recreation, and 4‑H next. Nebraska 21st CCLC overview. (education.ne.gov)
• If you can’t afford camp fees: Request financial assistance before registering. The YMCA Open Doors discounts are 10–50% or a fast‑track 35% if you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or the Child Care Subsidy; processing is typically 5–14 business days. YMCA of Lincoln financial assistance details. (ymcalincoln.org)
• If you’re in Omaha or Lincoln and need rides: Youth in Omaha ride Metro buses free all year; Lincoln’s StarPass gives unlimited summer rides for $20 for ages 5–18 from May 23–August 31, 2025. Metro K‑12 Rides Free and Lincoln StarPass program page. (ometro.com, lincoln.ne.gov)

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Emergency Options Near the Top

• For a same‑day child‑care spot: Use the state’s licensed‑provider tools and call providers directly to ask about “school‑age drop‑in” or “school‑out day” openings. Check the DHHS license lookup and Step Up to Quality lists, then ask if they accept the Child Care Subsidy. DHHS child care search resources. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• For urgent food support: Besides school and summer meal sites, dial 2‑1‑1 for local food pantries and evening meals near you. Nebraska 211 resource directory. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• For mental health or family crisis: Call the Nebraska Family Helpline at (888) 866‑8660 or dial 988 for suicide and crisis support. DHHS hotlines page. (dhhs.ne.gov)

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What’s New in 2025 That Helps Single Moms

• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) is operating statewide with a benefit of $120 per eligible child for Summer 2025, issued in waves beginning in late April; families have 122 days to spend funds before expiration. Apply only if your child was not already eligible through school. Nebraska Summer EBT hub and FAQ and Nebraska Summer EBT FAQ, updated July 25, 2025. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers continue expanding with Nebraska’s Expanded Learning Opportunities grants seeded by Nebraska Lottery proceeds for high‑need schools. Ask your principal if your building has a 21st CCLC/CLC program. NDE Expanded Learning Opportunities page. (education.ne.gov)
• School meal income limits updated for 2025‑26. A family of four qualifies for reduced‑price meals up to $59,478\ast \ast annualincomeandforfreemealsupto\ast \ast$41,793. Check the full income chart for your household size. NDE 2025‑26 income eligibility guidelines. (education.ne.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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Nebraska Child Care Subsidy for Afterschool and Summer Care

Start here: If cost is the blocker, complete the subsidy application right away and upload recent pay stubs, a work schedule, or a job offer. Then call Economic Assistance at (800) 383‑4278 to confirm your case is in process. ACCESSNebraska apply/manage page. (dhhs.ne.gov)

What it is: Nebraska helps pay for licensed care, including school‑age care during afterschool hours, non‑school days, and summer. Families over 100% FPL pay a monthly family fee set at 7% of gross income for all enrolled children; families under 100% FPL pay no family fee. DHHS Child Care for Parents. (dhhs.ne.gov)

Who qualifies: Initial eligibility through 185% FPL, continued eligibility at 200% FPL, and ongoing up to 85% of State Median Income (SMI) per LB 485 pilot through September 30, 2026. The current monthly limits are below. DHHS Child Care for Parents. (dhhs.ne.gov)

Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Monthly Income Limits

Source: Nebraska DHHS Child Care for Parents. (dhhs.ne.gov)

How to apply: Use the online portal. If you can’t finish in one sitting, creating an account lets you save and return; you can also upload documents, check status, and message the agency. For help, call (800) 383‑4278 (Economic Assistance), (402) 323‑3900 (Lincoln), or (402) 595‑1258 (Omaha), Monday–Friday 8:00–5:00. ACCESSNebraska apply screens and contact page and ACCESSNebraska contact info. (dhhs-access-neb-menu.ne.gov, dhhs.ne.gov)

Required documents:

• Proof of Nebraska residency and photo ID.
• Proof of income for the last 30 days for all adults in the home.
• Work/school schedule that shows hours.
• Child’s birth certificate or other proof of relationship and Social Security number if available.
• Provider information (if you have a preferred program, include their license number).

ACCESSNebraska guidance and upload features. (dhhs-access-neb-menu.ne.gov)

Costs: You may have a 7% family fee if above 100% FPL (example for a family of three earning $3,000/month\ast \ast :feeisabout\ast \ast$210/month) plus any provider charges above the state maximum rate. DHHS Child Care for Parents. (dhhs.ne.gov)

Reality check: DHHS does not publish a guaranteed processing timeframe for Child Care Subsidy. After submitting online, use your portal to “Submit Documents,” and call in 3–5 business days to confirm your case is correctly routed. If you start a job, tell the worker and upload your written offer and schedule to request priority handling. ACCESSNebraska usage and contact. (dhhs.ne.gov)

Where to find a qualifying program:

• Quality‑rated providers: Step Up to Quality search. (stepuptoquality.ne.gov)
• License lookup and inspection history: DHHS license search tools. (dhhs.ne.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your preferred site if they accept the subsidy and whether they can hold a spot while your case is pending. If not, ask DHHS for a list of providers near your ZIP who accept subsidy and have openings, or call (800) 383‑4278 and request help matching to a provider. ACCESSNebraska contact page. (dhhs.ne.gov)

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21st Century Community Learning Centers and CLCs (School‑Based Afterschool)

Start here: Call your school office and ask if there’s a 21st Century Community Learning Center or Community Learning Center on campus and how to enroll. These programs put academics, enrichment, and family engagement first and often operate at no cost or low cost for families. NDE 21st CCLC overview. (education.ne.gov)

What it is: Federal Title IV‑B dollars plus community match fund afterschool and summer programs in eligible schools (priority schools serving higher percentages of students eligible for free/reduced‑price meals). Nebraska focuses on academic success, positive behavior, and family engagement. NDE 21st CCLC program page. (education.ne.gov)

Lincoln: The CLC initiative serves 30 schools with afterschool and summer enrichment; check the CLC website to find your site contact. Lincoln Community Learning Centers schools list. (clc.lps.org)

Omaha: Many schools host CLCs with partners such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Kids Can, Completely KIDS, DREAM, and Civic Nebraska. Ask your principal or check your school’s “After School Clubs & Programs” page. Omaha Public Schools provider examples and Kids Club info and Civic Nebraska Trailblazer Academy example. (ops.org)

Contact for program info or if you want to start a site: NDE 21st CCLC program office, Erika Wibbels (402) 219‑3897. NDE grant competition page and contact. (education.ne.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your school doesn’t have a CCLC/CLC, jump to YMCA/Boys & Girls Clubs, Parks & Recreation, 4‑H, or licensed providers with subsidy acceptance. See the “Program Finder” table above.

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Free Food After School and in Summer

Most important: You do not need to apply for free summer meals for kids. Children 18 and under can walk in and eat at listed sites in your community; rural areas may have “meals to‑go.” USDA SUN Meals overview and site finder. (fns.usda.gov)

• Afterschool suppers/snacks (during the school year): Many afterschool programs serve a free supper or snack through CACFP At‑Risk Afterschool. Sites qualify when the school area is at least 50% free/reduced. Ask your program lead if they participate. NDE At‑Risk Afterschool Meals guidance. (education.ne.gov)
• Summer Meals: Nebraska posts open‑to‑the‑community sites each year and also allows enrolled‑program sites. For Summer 2025, NDE published sponsor lists and pointed families to the hotline 1‑866‑3‑HUNGRY for locations. NDE Summer Food 2025 press release. (education.ne.gov)
• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks): Nebraska issues $120 per eligible child for Summer 2025. Automatic eligibility includes children already approved for free/reduced‑price meals, SNAP, TANF/ADC, FDPIR, or qualifying income‑based Medicaid; others can apply. Issuances started April 23, 2025, with additional waves on May 15, June 5, June 26, July 17, August 12, and September 9. Funds expire 122 days after issuance. Nebraska Summer EBT FAQ and news releases and DHHS update on issuance waves. (dhhs.ne.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If no open sites are close enough, check for SUN Meals To‑Go options in rural areas or rely on Summer EBT if your child qualifies. If you didn’t get a Summer EBT card by the expected wave, email DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov or call (800) 383‑4278 option 5 for help. Nebraska Summer EBT contact and replacement info. (dhhs.ne.gov)

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YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and City Parks & Recreation

Start here: Call nearby programs and ask two questions first: “Do you accept the Nebraska Child Care Subsidy?” and “What financial assistance is available and how long does it take?”

• YMCA: Lincoln Y accepts the Child Care Subsidy for before/after school and summer day camps. Deposits or proof of authorization are often due by stated dates (for example, summer camp proof commonly due by May 1; school‑year care by August 1). Financial assistance discounts are 10–50% or 35% fast‑track with SNAP/Medicaid/Subsidy proof; processing 5–14 business days. Lincoln YMCA Admin Office (402) 434‑9212. Lincoln YMCA subsidy enrollment pages and Open Doors info and Financial Assistance details. (ymcalincoln.org)
• Boys & Girls Clubs: Clubs in Omaha and Lincoln offer daily afterschool and summer programs, often free or low‑fee, with teen centers free for teens. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Admin (402) 342‑1600; see locations in North and South Omaha, Bellevue, and school‑based sites. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands locations. (bgcomaha.org)
• City of Lincoln Parks & Recreation: Summer Day Camps run 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and accept DHHS subsidy at most sites; standard weekly fees for 2025 are $195\ast \ast forfive‑daysessionsand\ast \ast$155 for four‑day sessions, with need‑based scholarships available. City news release with 2025 fees and Summer Day Camps page. (lincoln.ne.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask to be placed on waitlists at two or three sites and request a short‑term “school‑out day” care option as a bridge. Use your subsidy approval to widen the net to licensed school‑age programs in your ZIP using DHHS search tools. DHHS provider search tools. (dhhs.ne.gov)

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4‑H Afterschool and Summer

Start here: Check county Extension and 4‑H afterschool partners; many programs operate inside schools or community sites and are open to non‑members. Nebraska 4‑H Afterschool overview. (4h.unl.edu)

Scholarships: Nebraska 4‑H Camps and Big Red Summer Academic Camps regularly offer scholarship help (typical camp scholarship examples include $100 awards; county 4‑H Councils may add local amounts). Check your county’s 4‑H page and the state scholarship listings each spring. Nebraska 4‑H awards and camp scholarships. (4h.unl.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a specific 4‑H camp is full, ask about county‑level day camps or teen leadership “Junior Counselor” roles that are free and include training and experience.

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Transportation That Makes Programs Possible

• Omaha Metro: All K‑12 students ride free on any route; high‑schoolers show school ID, others simply tell the driver they’re students. Customer Service (402) 341‑0800. Metro K‑12 Rides Free program. (ometro.com)
• Lincoln StarTran: StarPass gives unlimited rides for ages 5–18 for $20 from May 23–August 31, 2025. Info line (402) 476‑1234. StarPass program page. (lincoln.ne.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your afterschool program whether they offer a “late bus” or partner ride solution; for youth with disabilities, check Metro’s MOBY or StarTran paratransit eligibility.

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Program Finder Tables You Can Use

Nebraska Summer and Afterschool Food Programs

Transportation At‑a‑Glance

Sources: Metro K‑12 and StarPass. (ometro.com, lincoln.ne.gov)

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Local Organization Highlights

• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (Omaha metro): Stand‑alone and school‑based sites; teen membership often free. Admin (402) 342‑1600. Locations and contacts. (bgcomaha.org)
• Boys & Girls Club of Hocak Nisoc Haci (Winnebago): After‑school and summer programs serving the Winnebago community. Main (402) 878‑2112. Club site. (bgcwinnebago.org)
• Completely KIDS (Omaha): Afterschool and summer across multiple schools, plus weekend food and family services. Completely KIDS programs overview. (completelykids.org)
• Kids Can Community Center (Omaha): School‑age summer program 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., accepts DHHS subsidy, scholarships available. Enrollment office (402) 731‑6988. Program details and subsidy note. (kidscan.org)
• Salvation Army Kroc Center (Omaha) and Salvation Army Lincoln: Scholarships for classes and youth programs; after‑school and summer day camps in Lincoln with sliding fees. Kroc Center (402) 905‑3500; Lincoln Youth Programs (402) 474‑6263. Kroc scholarships and Lincoln youth programs info. (cms.omahakroc.org, centralusa.salvationarmy.org)
• Lincoln Parks & Recreation: Need‑based scholarships and DHHS subsidy acceptance for most programs; check the camp you choose. Summer Camps main page. (lincoln.ne.gov)

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Provider Quality and Safety

Best first step: Choose licensed, quality‑rated programs whenever possible. Search for Step Up to Quality ratings and review licensing/inspection history.

• Quality ratings and parent search: Step Up to Quality. (stepuptoquality.ne.gov)
• License and inspection info: DHHS license search tools. (dhhs.ne.gov)

Tip: Ask for written behavior policies, late pickup policies, and how they communicate when kids travel off‑site.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If nothing nearby is quality‑rated, ask providers where they are on the Step Up to Quality path and what training staff have completed; many are working toward higher steps.

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For Teens: Jobs, Leadership, and Structured Time

• WIOA Youth Program (ages 14–24): Paid and unpaid work experiences, mentoring, tutoring, and support services through Nebraska’s American Job Centers. Contact your nearest AJC to enroll before summer. Nebraska Department of Labor WIOA Youth Program. (dol.nebraska.gov)
• Boys & Girls Clubs teen centers: Free teen membership at many Omaha club sites with workforce and leadership programs. Teen centers list. (bgcomaha.org)
• Nebraska VR Transition Summer Programs: Short, skills‑based summer experiences for students with disabilities, often with paid work‑based learning. Ask your school counselor or VR office early spring. Nebraska VR Transition Summer Programs 2025. (vr.nebraska.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school about district‑run summer employment or service programs, and check city youth job initiatives announced each spring.

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Diverse Communities and Inclusive Access

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask programs about anti‑bullying policies, bathroom access, and staff training on inclusion. For advocacy and referrals, contact OutNebraska. If your child faces harassment in a program, document and escalate to the site director and district equity office. Lincoln CLC equity‑focused mission overview. (clc.lps.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Ask programs about 1:1 supports and accessibility. For high‑schoolers with IEPs or 504 Plans, connect to Nebraska VR’s summer programs and Pre‑ETS services for job readiness. Nebraska VR Transition Summer Programs. (vr.nebraska.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Many community centers and YMCAs offer fee assistance; combine with Child Care Subsidy if eligible. The Y’s Open Doors review is 10–50% or 35% fast‑track. YMCA of Lincoln Open Doors. (ymcalincoln.org)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: Ask for interpreters when calling DHHS or programs. The iServe/ACCESSNebraska application is available in English and Spanish. ACCESSNebraska/iServe announcement. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: Boys & Girls Club programs on tribal lands serve afterschool and summer needs locally. Examples include Winnebago’s club (402) 878‑2112 and the Omaha Tribe club in Macy. Boys & Girls Club of Hocak Nisoc Haci and Omaha Tribe club listing. (bgcwinnebago.org, nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org)
• Rural single moms: Look for SUN Meals To‑Go and local 4‑H day camps, and ask schools about regional CCLC hubs that run bus‑in summer programs a few days per week. USDA SUN Meals To‑Go and Nebraska 4‑H afterschool. (fns.usda.gov, 4h.unl.edu)
• Single fathers raising kids: Every program here is open to fathers as well. The same subsidy and meal rules apply.
• Language access: When contacting ACCESSNebraska by phone, ask for an interpreter. For online benefits, use the portal and upload documents; keep confirmation numbers. ACCESSNebraska contacts. (dhhs.ne.gov)

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Real‑World Examples

• Using Summer EBT plus Summer Camps: A mom in Grand Island receives $120 for each of two kids via Summer EBT and registers for a Lincoln Parks & Rec camp week when visiting family; she uses the subsidy authorization to cover care that week. She rides StarPass with her kids to the site. Nebraska Summer EBT FAQ and Lincoln StarPass. (dhhs.ne.gov, lincoln.ne.gov)
• After‑school with supper and tutoring: A South Omaha school’s CLC run with Boys & Girls Clubs gives homework help and a free supper through CACFP. No application is needed for meals; the child signs in. NDE CACFP At‑Risk page. (education.ne.gov)

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Application Checklist

• Proof of identity and address: State ID, lease, bill.
• Income proofs: Last 30 days pay stubs or employer letter; child support orders if any.
• Work, school, or training schedule: Days and hours.
• Child info: Birth certificates; Social Security numbers if available.
• Provider details: License or program name; note if they accept DHHS subsidy.
• Back‑ups: List two alternate sites in case your first choice is full.

Upload documents in the portal and keep copies. ACCESSNebraska portal features. (dhhs-access-neb-menu.ne.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the family fee: If your income is above 100% FPL, expect a monthly 7% family fee and budget for it. DHHS Child Care for Parents. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• Waiting to apply: Subsidy approval is not retroactive to cover past weeks. Apply early and upload everything at once.
• Skipping school paperwork: For Summer EBT, if your child wasn’t in free/reduced‑price meals last school year, you may need the SEBT application. Nebraska Summer EBT hub. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• Not asking about scholarships: YMCA, city parks, and many nonprofits offer assistance if you apply before the deadline. Lincoln Parks scholarships and Title XX note. (lincoln.ne.gov)
• Transportation surprises: Confirm pick‑up times and bus passes. In Omaha, tell your teen to carry school ID for free rides. Metro K‑12 Rides Free. (ometro.com)

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Key Timelines and Deadlines You Can Expect

Sources: Summer EBT issuance detail and DHHS issuance news release; Lincoln Parks & Rec 2025 registration release; StarPass page. (dhhs.ne.gov, lincoln.ne.gov)

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does Summer EBT pay per child: $120 for Summer 2025, issued in one lump sum. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• Do I need to apply for Summer EBT if my child already gets free or reduced‑price school meals: No, most will be certified automatically; apply only if not already certified but you now meet income rules. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• Can I use the Child Care Subsidy for camp weeks only: Yes, if care is needed for work/school and the camp is a licensed provider or otherwise eligible; give your worker the exact provider ID. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• How much will I pay with the Child Care Subsidy: If over 100% FPL, your family fee is 7% of gross monthly income. Providers may charge above state maximums. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• Where can I see school meal income limits for 2025‑26: Check NDE’s chart; for a family of four, reduced‑price goes up to $59,478 annually. (education.ne.gov)
• My school does not have an afterschool program: Ask district offices about 21st CCLC/CLC expansion, then check YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Parks & Recreation, and 4‑H. (education.ne.gov)
• Are afterschool meals free: Yes, at CACFP At‑Risk sites the supper/snack is free to all kids at the site. (education.ne.gov)
• Is there help for students with disabilities: Yes—ask about accommodations; high‑schoolers can join Nebraska VR Transition Summer Programs with paid work experiences. (vr.nebraska.gov)
• How do I talk to a real person about my benefits: Call (800) 383‑4278 (Economic Assistance) weekdays 8–5. (dhhs.ne.gov)
• Do teens get free or low‑cost bus rides: Yes—Omaha Metro is free for K‑12; Lincoln’s StarPass is $20 for the summer. (ometro.com, lincoln.ne.gov)

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Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips

• Be ready for waitlists: Put your name on multiple lists and ask about “drop‑in” or single‑day care for non‑school days.
• Keep copies: Save PDFs or photos of everything you upload. Use the portal’s “Submit Documents” and note timestamps. (dhhs-access-neb-menu.ne.gov)
• Ask about meals: Programs tied to CACFP or Summer Meals can stretch your budget.
• Verify hours early: Line up transportation and pick‑up times before week one.

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What We Reviewed and Gaps We Filled

We reviewed Nebraska’s official education and health sites plus established nonprofits in the top search results for afterschool and summer programs. Those pages explain programs but often don’t connect all the pieces—subsidy rules, current income limits, meal programs, transportation, fees, and direct office numbers—in one place. This guide fills those gaps with current numbers, steps, and contacts from Nebraska DHHS, NDE, USDA, city transit, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, 4‑H, and local parks departments. Examples include the 2025 Summer EBT dates and amounts, 2025‑26 school meal income limits, Child Care Subsidy income tables, and city program fees and scholarship notes. (dhhs.ne.gov, education.ne.gov, lincoln.ne.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

Our methodology: We cite only official Nebraska government sources and established nonprofits, verify links, and present action steps you can use today. See our full Editorial Standards for source verification and update timelines. This page follows YMYL and E‑E‑A‑T best practices and is monitored for changes.

Scope: This guide uses official sources from the Nebraska Department of Education, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, city transit and parks departments, and established youth organizations.

Verification: Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Corrections: If you find an error, email info@asinglemother.org. We respond within 48–72 hours and update verified changes within 24–48 hours. (education.ne.gov)

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Disclaimer

Important: Programs, fees, income limits, and dates can change. Always verify details with the administering agency or program office before you apply or pay. This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice or a guarantee of eligibility or approval. We do not collect personal data on this page. For your privacy, never post Social Security numbers or case numbers in public forums and always use official portals or phone lines when sharing documents.

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