Our Mission:
The AIM Institute grows a strong and diverse tech community through education, career development, and outreach.
Our Vision:
A thriving community where anyone can pursue a rewarding tech career.
The non-profit AIM Institute has fostered the growth of the Omaha area’s tech sector for more than 30 years. Our organization understands that a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce will improve the sector for all. That’s why we help at-risk students graduate from high school, recruit women and minority students for AIM Code School, and award tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships each year.
AIM works to fill the growing gap in the tech workforce by training new tech talent and upskilling existing tech workers. By developing, growing, and retaining local tech talent, AIM contributes to economic development and to the success of area companies and entrepreneurs.
Help us grow a strong and diverse tech community. Donate today.
DonateYouth we serve graduate high school
People trained in specialized tech fields
Community-wide annual economic impact
Participants are low income and/or first-generation college students
Here’s an expanded version of each of the 5 Core Values offering greater depth and clarity to guide both our internal teams and external stakeholders:
1. Cohesion
We are stronger together.
At AIM, cohesiveness means operating as a unified, mission-driven organization. We strive to eliminate silos, build trust across all departments and leadership levels, and ensure alignment around shared goals. Whether onshore or offshore, our teams work in harmony, guided by mutual respect and a collective sense of purpose.
We celebrate our differences while committing to a singular, forward-focused vision.
2. Creativity
We innovate with intention.
Creativity is at the heart of how we solve problems, design experiences, and create value. AIM encourages an open mindset where experimentation is welcomed and failure is seen as a step toward innovation. We embrace new technologies, methodologies, and perspectives that help us stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Innovation isn’t just what we do—it’s how we think.
3. Collaboration
We achieve more together.
Collaboration at AIM goes beyond coordination—it’s about active co-creation. We build cross-functional teams, co-develop solutions with partners, and invite feedback across roles and disciplines. We believe that the best outcomes emerge when diverse voices, skills, and perspectives are heard and integrated.
We value humility, curiosity, and shared ownership.
4. Community
We uplift and empower.
Our work exists to serve people and create lasting impact in the communities we touch—from Omaha to Rwanda. We prioritize equity, access, and inclusion in everything we do. Whether through tech education, workforce development, or partnerships, we aim to close gaps and create pathways to opportunity for all.
We are not just in the community—we are of the community.
5. Care
We lead with humanity.
Care is our foundation. We treat each person—team members, learners, partners, and community members—with empathy, dignity, and respect. We promote well-being, support work-life harmony, and foster a culture where people feel valued and safe to grow. Our compassion shapes how we lead and how we serve.
People are at the center of our mission, always.
In the 1980s, a series of financial crises and job losses left business, education, and government leaders increasingly concerned about the future of Nebraska’s economy.
Several studies commissioned to investigate the region’s economic future found Nebraska was well-positioned to take advantage of robust telecommunications and IT infrastructure. At the same time, there was a critical shortage in the availability of skilled tech workers to support growing reliance on technology.
The conclusion was that a new neutral, non-partisan and not-for-profit organization should be formed. And thus in 1992, the Applied Information Management Institute was born.
Since its founding over 30 years ago, AIM has helped thousands of individuals from all backgrounds enter the tech field, grow as tech professionals, and connect with others in the tech sector. In 2024, we served 6,060 program participants – including more than 3,000 youth – and awarded over $50,000 in scholarships.
Read the 2024 AIM Institute Impact Report here.
The AIM Institute is located in the historic Grain Exchange building in downtown Omaha. Built in 1915, the Grain Exchange was essential to the economic health of the region. Today, AIM’s focus on growing a strong and diverse tech community is building a new generation of economic prosperity for the greater Omaha area.
