Go Beyond

Go Beyond is dedicated to serving trauma-impacted youth across Nebraska and Iowa through immersive, year-round outdoor experiences and life-changing Mountain West adventures. Go Beyond transforms lives by addressing mental health challenges, trauma, and barriers to opportunity. The stories we tell ourselves—how we see ourselves, others, and our place in the world—shape our growth and potential. Trauma can overwhelm these narratives and create barriers to wellness and personal development.  For over 45 years, we have provided disengaged youth opportunities for self-discovery, social inclusion, and healing. Our programs offer consistent mentorship and engaging learning experiences that help young people gain a sense of purpose. Our programs help youth rewrite their personal narratives and unlock their full potential by fostering resilience and a sense of belonging.  

We serve youth from Title I schools, non-traditional households, and underserved communities, who not only have minimal exposure to new experiences but many of whom have limited access to safe, supportive environments. Since 1978, Go Beyond has transformed over 1,500 lives. Demographics of those we served in 2024 are as follows: 85% Title I students, 80% qualify for free/reduced lunch, 30% first-generation students, 20% LGBTQ+ youth, 20% individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), and 20% refugee or immigrant youth. To ensure full participation for our diverse range of clients, Go Beyond covers all costs, including transportation, gear, and mentorship, removing obstacles that might otherwise prevent engagement.  

Our work is structured around three core programs:  

• HOmaha (Ages 13-15) provides a free, year-long mentorship program for youth navigating the critical transition from middle to high school. Over 366 hours of immersive experiences, participants engage in small-group mentoring, local outdoor adventures, and a world-class mountain expedition. These extraordinary experiences help youth develop confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of possibility.
• Natural Leaders (Ages 16-21) offers continued engagement for youth who have participated in our programs, providing leadership training, job skills, and paid mentorship roles. Participants receive certification in First Aid and CPR, life skills training, and access to exclusive regional and national opportunities, such as summer jobs near national parks and internships with conservation organizations. Each HOmaha cohort is supported by two Natural Leaders, creating a near-peer mentorship model that fosters long-term growth and leadership.
• Abroad expands the Go Beyond experience beyond our core programs, partnering with after-school programs and human-service agencies to bring outdoor adventures to more youth in need. Through various collaborations, we extend the benefits of nature-based experiences to communities with limited access to such opportunities.