Earlier this year, Central High seniors Desi Steffen and Evalina Sain set out to create a project that prepares students for life after high school.

“Our motivation behind starting this program was giving students more opportunities beyond school,” said Steffen.

They began planning and eventually created the InternLink Career Launch program.

“The InternLink program is a course that students go through that provides them with one-on-one individualized experience and assignments,” Steffen explained.

Both students are officers in the Central High DECA chapter. DECA is a high school co-curricular activity that prepares students for careers in business.
 
Steffen and Sain designed their initiative to meet requirements for the state DECA competition in March.

“We have certain curriculum and other programs within Omaha Public Schools that help guide students,” said Sain. "Our goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to move forward in their post-secondary ambitions, whether that be trade careers, company careers, internships or just preparing for the day-to-day school activities."

As part of the program, Central High DECA students hosted a career fair in January and invited students from all nine high schools. They offered everything from business attire to professional development. Local businesses and community members donated hundreds of clothing items, including suits, blazers, shoes, and trousers. The event was free for all students in our district.
 
"We wanted to do something that would help our school and the entirety of Omaha Public Schools," said Steffen.
 
Organizers set up stations to help students create or review resumes, prepare for interviews and receive one-on-one career advice. The event also allowed students to network with local businesses.
 
"It's a way to have a relaxed moment but learn what you should and should not do in an interview," said Steffen.
 
Sain says the idea came from her own internship experiences.

"I first got an internship my freshman year, and now I'm working in two," said Sain. "I'm very passionate about the skills it has provided me and working in an industry and gaining that professional insight."

Michaela Kavanagh, Central High DECA advisor, enjoys watching her students grow throughout this process.

"It's exciting to see the students kind of come up with an idea, further develop it and see how they could take charge," said Kavanagh. "It's encouraging to see their passion and how any student can take it, turn it and run in whichever direction they want to go."
 
Steffen and Sain say the event helped students connect with like-minded peers and build valuable skills for their future careers.

February 2025

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