Opportunity Passport

Program Contact:

For more information on Opportunity Passport or to make a referral, please contact: Camille Ohri, Opportunity Passport Coordinator | cohri@central-plains.org | 308-212-0984

Opportunity Passport Overview

Through our direct work with young people who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or near homelessness, or those who are pregnant and/or parenting, we have first-hand awareness of the unique challenges facing these populations. Many of these young people lack basic financial fundamentals such as financial education, economic security, and the opportunity to build financial capability and assets. Central Plains Center for Services is dedicated to helping youth, young adults, and families learn about financial literacy and essential life skills. Our aim is to boost their confidence in all financial-related matters so that they can take charge of their lives and achieve economic stability.

Opportunity Passport™ is a matched savings, asset-building, and financial literacy program that equips participants with financial knowledge, support in connecting to banking and other community resources, and guidance in planning and making asset purchases that increase economic well-being. Opportunity Passport™ includes the Keys to Your Financial Future Curriculum that is delivered by Central Plains coaches all across Nebraska.  This 8-part financial literacy training ensures participants become financially independent by focusing on the following topic: 

• Building the Foundation
• Understanding Credit History
• Getting Credit and Loans
• Understanding Your Income
• Paying Bills and Budgeting
• Saving and Investing
• Banking
• Protecting Your Identity

Central Plains Center for Services provides the Opportunity Passport™ Financial Literacy Program, which is part of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, to eligible youth in all areas of Nebraska who are participating in Central Plains coaching. Youth and young adults in Nebraska who have experienced foster care, homelessness, are pregnant or parenting, or are a victim of sex and labor trafficking and are between 14 and 26 years of age are eligible to participate in Coaching and Opportunity Passport™. 

Coaches also apply the Your Money, Your Goals Toolkit, developed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, in their daily interactions with youth and work with them one-on-one to achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency. Your Money, Your Goals is a set of financial empowerment materials that help youth meet their financial goals by increasing their knowledge, skills, and resources. 

Opportunity Passport participants must complete the KEYS training, have a savings account, and save funds for a minimum of 4 months in order to pursue an asset purchase. Participants can receive Opportunity Program matches toward a variety of asset purchases in the following categories: 

• Vehicle and Related Expenses
• Debt Reduction
• Investments and Credit Building
• Education
• Housing
• Entrepreneurship
• Medical