Stephen Cooper portrait

Welcome to the Raikes School

If you want to change the world, you have come to the right place! In the Raikes School, we believe in learning by doing and that changing the world in the 21st century starts with understanding business and computer science. Every day our students are engaged in numerous interdisciplinary software and business development projects supported by a world-class faculty. We are on the front lines of what’s next; from supporting research efforts to feed the worlds growing population to understanding the complex relationships that connect customers and marketplaces. We are giving the leaders of tomorrow the education they need to leverage opportunities, solve wicked problems and bring to market innovative products and services.

In partnership with the The School of Computing, the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering, we offer courses that teach students the foundations of computer science, management, and software engineering. Our project-oriented curriculum helps students to develop a deep understanding of the complex models that drive each discipline. It exposes them to design processes like lean and agile to bring an iterative and human-centered approach to analytical problem solving. The core of who we are and what we teach lives at the intersection of business, technology, and design; and it is supported by a deep understanding of quantitative models from across disciplines. The Raikes School is paving the way in the development of the next generation of innovative leaders.

Here at the Raikes School, we have a challenge. How will we impact the existing areas of FinTech, AgTech, and MedTech, as well as creating new areas to transform the state of Nebraska?

Many of our graduates do go on to work for and lead companies in Silicon Valley, Seattle, Boston, New York, Research Triangle Park, Austin, and in other high tech areas. Others of our graduates are accepting the challenge to create and grow the our tech community right here in Lincoln (the Haymarket is a 12 minute walk southwest of the Raikes School, and the Nebraska Innovation Campus is a 15 minute walk/5 minute campus shuttle ride northeast of the Raikes School) and in Omaha. During the 1950’s throughout the 1970’s, some of our grandparents were fortunate enough to help start and grow Silicon Valley. Today, we have the opportunity to help start and grow our own Silicon Prairie.

In the Raikes School our passion is changing the world, but we cannot do it alone. We need people like you to join us as we spread the word that innovation happens in Nebraska. If you are a student who is interested in learning more about the program, an industry partner who wants to find ways to engage our students, or someone who just wants to learn more about innovation, this is the place to find what you are looking for. Let us show you that if innovation is your passion, there is no place like Nebraska!

Steve Cooper

Executive Director