As a volunteer and community outreach coordinator at Lighthouse, Nebraska U's Alex Hughes has dedicated her career to helping Lincoln youth overcome obstacles, guiding them toward the finish line of graduation — and beyond.
Lighthouse, one of the organizations that benefits from the UNL Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services, is an accredited after-school program that offers academic support and programming for around 600 middle and high school students annually. The program takes a multifaceted approach to support students during this part of their education.
“It takes a village, and we end up being part of the village for these kids,” Hughes said.
Lighthouse offers a variety of services to Lincoln youth, including tutoring, mentorship, recreation and other programming like an art club, STEM club and field trips to meet with community members from groups like the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska Extension. Lighthouse also provide a snack and dinner every day, in addition to school supplies, hygiene items and items youth may need at home.
Hughes began working at Lighthouse as an undergraduate through a student internship. She quickly was hired full-time to her current position following graduation with a degree in secondary social science education and child, youth and family studies in 2022.
Her connection to Lighthouse is deeply personal. Her mother worked at Lighthouse when she was a child, and Hughes recently found a video from her fourth birthday with a cake made by the woman who is still the food program director and often makes students birthday cakes.
“Growing up, I always thought the kids who came here were so cool and heard funny stories my mom would tell,” Hughes said. “And I know the impact it made on my mom and seeing how much love she had for these kids she watched grow up. That’s where I got my desire to work with youth.”
Hughes initially wanted to pursue a career in law before realizing she wanted to pivot to a more service-oriented field and found the College of Education Human Sciences and child, youth and family studies at Nebraska.
“I knew that’s where my heart was at, working with kids, and middle and high schoolers are my favorite age,” she said.
Hughes said their goal at Lighthouse is for every student who passes through to graduate from high school, and these services help through access to things like tutoring and test prep courses. Many of Hughes’ volunteers are current Husker students, and every year Husker athletes join in on a trip to Walmart, where youth are given $100 to purchase gifts, necessities and more. Lighthouse offers scholarships to all graduating seniors and also has a trades and industry program as an alternative path for youth who may not pursue college.
Every spring, staff from Lighthouse attend every high school graduation ceremony across Lincoln with a Lighthouse student graduating, and Hughes said those are some of the best, most emotional days.
“It’s a level of proud I’ve never felt before,” she said. “Knowing they’re going to get celebrated is awesome. We go all out to cheer for them. It’s fun to celebrate because a lot of the kids, we know a lot of the things they’ve had to overcome.”
Creating those bonds with the students and watching her volunteers do so, too, is the most rewarding part of the work, Hughes said. In addition to graduation, staff also attend events like graduation parties, weddings and senior nights for sports.
“It’s always a good feeling when they’re so excited you’re there,” she said.
Hughes gets phone calls often from current and former students who want to tell her they scored a touchdown, got a good grade on a test or just to check in.
“They’re so excited to tell me that,” she said. “I’m just some random person, but they’re so excited to tell me. It’s fun to see them mature and grow up.”
The annual UNL Combined Campaign for Health and Human Services continues through Nov. 22. Giving supports more than 145 local organizations that serve Lincoln, Lancaster County and beyond.
A variety of giving options are offered through the campaign.
The university will award prizes to random faculty and staff who participate. Weekly prizes include tickets to Husker volleyball and football, as well as Lied Center for Performing Arts performances.
Pledge forms and additional details are available on the university’s 2024-25 Combined Campaign website.
