Center for People in Need Changes Lives Through POP Program

Center for People in Need’s POP program (People Obtaining Prosperity; www.thecenterforpeopleinneed.org) was designed for low-income individuals so they can apply to the program and, if selected, attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln tuition-free. If the student is able to keep a good grade point average and continues in a chosen field of study, he or she can complete an associate’s degree at no cost. More than 200 students have completed tuition-free degrees since 2013.

“I couldn’t believe that it would be possible to earn an associate’s degree at Southeast Community College and still be able to work and support my family. This means everything to me,” said Jamie L., POP student.

Jamie is a single mom with two daughters, aged 9 and 11. She struggled to make ends meet every month, working a minimum-wage retail job and picking up extra hours when she could. She knew she needed a better job but with her high school education, she kept getting passed over for promotions.

Center for People in Need’s POP program is made possible by generous donations from an anonymous philanthropist and the Acklie Foundation. For more information about the POP program, visit www.thecenterforpeopleinneed.org or contact Lynette Maes at (402) 476-4357 / lmaes@cfpin.org.