For Parents

EDGE Resources

EDGE Nebraska City collects many of the resources from our EDGE Events and shares them with all families here. Check back often to find resources on everything from reading to grocery shopping.
EDGE Programs

WOW! 35,000 Books will be distributed by our 10 Year Anniversary in 2027!

Reader's EDGE

Our Book Besties visit Pre-K through 2nd grade classrooms monthly to read a story and share in a related activity.  Each child is then given a book to keep, helping them build a personal library of 28 books by the start of 3rd grade.  Over 450 books are delivered each month to classrooms at Lourdes, NCPS and Head Start.

Citizen’s EDGE

Once a quarter, our Super Citizen’s visit 3rd and 4th grade classrooms to lead activities about what it means to be a super citizen in your family, classroom and community.  This program has a service learning component that further connects students to their community.  Students are also given books about famous Super Citizens.
Jumpstart Literacy​

Early EDGE​

“Well Check” Baby Book Program (Ages 0-1 year):

Welcome to the world little one!  EDGE provides a book and literacy tools for each newborn at CHI St. Mary’s.  At each well baby check, they are given another book.  We know that reading is an essential building block for all newborns and EDGE is proud to partner with new parents in the journey.  (This program also uses technology to reach families through read aloud videos.)

Early EDGE Doctor’s Office Pilot Project (Ages 1-3):

This is a critical time in the development of a child.  EDGE provides educational tools for parents who could otherwise not afford them.  The doctors are able to pick from a basket of toy/book options – for parents to use to play and help their child learn important skills prior to Pre-K or Kindergarten.

Kindergarten Ready Bags

In order to be ready for school, kids need access to tools like crayons, flash cards, scissors and more. Having access to these items BEFORE they start school can help them walk into Kindergarten confident, prepared and ready for success. EDGE provides every student that attends Kindergarten Roundup at Lourdes Central Catholic and Nebraska City Public Schools with a “Ready Bag” to use over the summer before they start school.

Book Besties

Children that read at 3rd grade level by 3rd grade are best positioned to experience academic success. And, the key to becoming a confident reader is access to books. Book Bestie volunteers are busy reading and giving away books each month to students at Head Start, Northside and Lourdes Schools (Students who attend each year, start 3rd grade with a personal library of 28 books).  The program is about more than a book, however, it’s about building relationships, engaging with families, and building a foundation of lifelong learning … one book at a time.

Super Citizens 3.0 & 4.0

When a child feels connected to their community it helps their entire family feel connected. Our Citizen’s EDGE program, serving Hayward 3rd and 4th graders, is one way we connect families to their community. Local volunteers, called Super Citizens, visit classrooms and help students build a profile of a Super Citizen. The program also features service learning opportunities, exposure to community assets, and the chance to taste a perfectly ripe apple!  Giving back to the community by serving and donating is a component embedded into all Super Citizen programming.

Money Managers 5.0

Each 5th grade student becomes a Money Manager through our financial literacy program.  Local “Banking Buddies” are matched with classrooms to teach the concepts of Earn, Save, Spend & Donate.  Students are also learning to manage their own budget while also doing community service projects four times a year to earn their money.   

Empower Lifelong Readers

Middle and High School Students

Leader’s EDGE 6.0-12.0

Older students learn about careers, education & recreation opportunities, as well as how to become involved in organizations within our community – to further prepare them for life after high school.

2023 EDGE Nebraska City Impact Report: Giving Kids and Families an EDGE