“Imagination is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” -Albert Einstein

One of our main messages at ROSS Leaders is that if you can see it, you can achieve it. This past summer season, we encouraged our students to explore the power of imagination, which challenged them to think beyond their current circumstances and into the future. We then brought that message to life by making sure our summer programs gave our students the opportunity to explore the very aspirations they envisioned. From Omaha to Minnesota, Phoenix to Manchester, and even South Sudan, we saw our students step into new experiences, overcome personal challenges, and grow more confident in themselves.

Ivy League College Tour

This summer, we hosted our inaugural college tour, and we chose to aim high, touring New York University (NYU), Columbia University, Princeton University, Yale University, and Harvard University. Five universities, four cities, and one message: Think Big.

As our students walked the halls of each campus, they got a real feel for what it’s like to attend an Ivy League school. They got to walk the streets, ride the trains, eat the foods, and soak in the culture of each city. Each university offered a unique experience and gave our students the opportunity to picture themselves in it.

One student reflected:

“I enjoyed all of the campuses, but Princeton was my favorite, largely due to its vibrant student life. Our tour guide was incredibly passionate, which clearly demonstrated how much he enjoys the school and inspired us to seriously consider attending.” - High School Student, ROSS Leaders

The most important thing about our college tour is the bond our students build with one another and the connections they make along the way. On this tour, students had the opportunity to connect with professionals in the ROSS Leaders network, representing a diverse array of fields, including real estate, law, modeling, finance, philanthropy, and more. We’ve seen these connections often last well beyond high school and college, carrying into their professional lives.

Another student shared:

“There are two key moments from the trip that really resonated with me. First, Elvis taught me the importance of taking risks and remaining open to exploration, reminding us that we should always seek new opportunities even if they take us far from home. Second, Mari’s words deeply impacted me: ’Your parents come from all things like war, struggles, and hardships; who are you to give up when someone tells you no?’ This stuck with me because my parents moved to the United States specifically to give us a better life and greater opportunities. Ultimately, I want to see myself at an Ivy League school because I thrive in high performing, competitive environments, and I can truly see myself attending Princeton.” - High School Student, ROSS Leaders

Beyond the campus visits, our students explored museums and historic landmarks, getting a feel for the history behind each city. What makes this tour special is how it broadens our students’ perspectives and closes the gap between what they think is impossible and what they’re actually capable of achieving.

If you can see it, you can achieve it.

Creighton School of Law

Our students recently explored careers in the legal field during a visit to Creighton School of Law. On campus, they met Nyagoa Deng (CU Law Student), who shared her own path to law school and gave an honest, firsthand account of the challenges and rewards that come with law school. They also heard from David Ebert (Head of Impact at BraunHagey & Borden), who spoke about his career, highlighting the many different directions a law degree can take someone, and sharing how attorneys can have an impact on the communities they serve.

Through candid conversations and a behind-the-scenes look at law school itself, students walked away with a clearer understanding of what it actually takes to build a career in law. Moreover, the visit gave them the space to imagine themselves in classrooms and courtrooms, a great reminder that through hard work, dedication, and imagination opportunities will come and doors will open.

Go Beyond Expedition

This summer, two of our students had the opportunity to go on a life-altering adventure through Wyoming as part of the Go Beyond expedition. Go Beyond is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides year-round outdoor experiences for youth, using adventure and exploration as tools to build confidence, resilience, and personal growth. For our students, it was a chance to step outside their comfort zone while climbing mountains, kayaking through lakes, and spending time outdoors.

Throughout the trip, our students traveled through Centennial and Alpine before exploring Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, taking in views over Leigh Lake that most people only see in postcards. They hiked Medicine Bow Peak and took on white water rafting. We were so proud to see them embrace new challenges and make new friends along the way. Our students came back home with memories that will last a lifetime and a deeper belief in themselves.

Global Sounds Music Festival

This summer, our ROSS Leaders Student Ambassadors proudly represented ROSS Leaders at the Global Sounds Music Festival, marking their first community recruitment and tabling event. Throughout the festival, they connected with attendees, sharing their experiences at ROSS Leaders, answering questions, and pointing families toward resources for getting involved. It was special to see two of our students stand on the other side of the table, sharing what ROSS means to them. Their professionalism and enthusiasm reflected exactly the kind of leadership we want representing our community now and in the future.

South Sudan

This summer, South Sudan turned 15 years young as a nation. Our fight for liberation came with great conflict and trauma that led our families to America, and ultimately led us to create ROSS Leaders as a way to preserve our South Sudanese identity.

As the youngest nation in the world, with 75% of our population under 30, and 60% under 25, we are actively working to reverse the damage. By strengthening our communities in the diaspora, we are building a bridge back home to South Sudan. Through that bridge, we are exchanging knowledge, providing opportunities, and keeping both sides inspired to build a brighter future.

This July, we returned home and hosted a joint camp for two of our nation’s stars, Wenyen Gabriel and Nuni Omot, serving over 300 students from our SO Elite Chapter in Juba. We are grateful to Wenyen for sponsoring a court that has since become the home base and safe haven for both girls and boys who want to learn the game. Through basketball, we’ve been able to promote peace and unify our people regardless of tribe, gender, or religion.

In addition to the basketball camp, we visited refugee camps in Maban, South Sudan, and hosted our version of Shark Tank in Juba, called Lion’s Den. The event gave young professionals and entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their businesses and receive funding to scale their ventures. From building basketball courts to supporting the most vulnerable communities to investing in small business owners, we’ve created a community where people feel their dreams are supported and a platform where their talents are recognized.

A message from our CEO: Jacob Idra

I remember having a heartfelt conversation with our Board Chair, Dr. Williams. I was frustrated about something that had happened to one of our students, and he told me something that kept coming back to me this past summer. He said, “Jacob, when you have an observation, you have an obligation.”

Being raised in the very neighborhoods and homes our students come from, we, as their mentors, are in a unique position. We have the hindsight to understand how our South Sudanese-American experience has shaped us and the foresight to see how their experiences might shape them. Everything we’ve observed and experienced is reflected in the programs we design for our community today.

Summer is always the most critical season for us to keep our students engaged and expose them to new experiences that keep them learning and excited about what’s ahead.

As our society faces new challenges in this digital, social media, and AI-driven world, we see firsthand the impact it’s having on youth in particular. Through our programs this summer, we returned to the basics and encouraged our students to do the things that matter most: building bonds with one another, socializing with professionals, spending time outdoors, visualizing their dreams and aspirations, and reflecting on their experiences. These are life practices they’ll carry with them far beyond this summer.

The work we do is not easy, but it is deeply rewarding. Watching our students walk away re-energized and inspired about their futures reaffirms that this work is powerful and that it will shape our community for generations to come.

A message from our CPO: Elezabith Rorei

I am incredibly proud of our students and all they have accomplished over the past few months. As I look back on this summer, I can’t help but smile at all they have experienced. From exploring Wyoming to walking the campuses of some of the nation’s top universities, they embraced every opportunity with curiosity, courage, and an open mind. It has been inspiring to watch them step outside their comfort zones, build meaningful connections, and represent our program with confidence and professionalism. Seeing students actively engaged in the community, exploring career opportunities, and forming relationships with local leaders and business owners reminds me of how much they continue to grow.

These experiences are a powerful reminder of how important it is to create opportunities that broaden our students’ horizons and expose them to possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. It was a privilege to help plan and lead our first Ivy League college tour alongside such a dedicated team. Watching our students imagine themselves in these spaces, ask thoughtful questions, and build confidence with each new experience was truly inspiring. These experiences are helping shape their futures, and I look forward to seeing where their hard work and determination take them next.

Thank you for being part of our community and for believing in our students. Your encouragement and support help make these life-changing opportunities possible, and we are grateful to have you on this journey with us. I look forward to sharing more of our students’ journeys with you in the months ahead.

A message from our CED: Boum Dobuol

As I reflect on the past few months, it has been incredible to watch our students blossom into confident young men and women. Week after week, we’ve seen their confidence grow - not only in themselves, but also in their ability to lead, connect with others, and embrace new opportunities. The relationships and trust that have been built between students, their families, and our team have created a community where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

Perhaps the greatest joy has been watching our students realize that there are no limits to what they can achieve. They are beginning to understand that their dreams are within reach and that their backgrounds do not define their futures. Through mentorship, meaningful connections, and the power of networking, we’ve been able to expose them to careers and opportunities in aviation, law, real estate, entrepreneurship, collegiate and professional athletics, and so much more.

The possibilities are truly endless. It has been a blessing to watch our students discover that with hard work, support, and belief in themselves, anything is possible. We are incredibly proud of how far they have come this season, and we cannot wait to see where their journeys take them this fall.

What’s Next?

We’re excited to kick off our fall program, welcoming students back for another semester of mentorship, leadership development, academic support, career exploration, and community engagement. We look forward to another semester of empowering students to grow, lead, and reach their full potential.

All of our work is made possible through supporters like you. Your generosity allows us to provide meaningful programs, mentorship, and opportunities for the students and families we serve. Every contribution, big or small, helps us expand our impact, strengthen our community, and mold future leaders.

If you believe in our mission and want to continue supporting this work, we invite you to donate today.

Your kindness helps us turn our vision into a reality.

Thank you in advance!

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