2023-2024
Annual Report
OUR MISSION
We are committed to bridging the gap between education and business, guaranteeing careers for our youth of hope and need through supportive relationships, individualized coaching, education, and training.
The past year has been a remarkable period of growth and success for Avenue Scholars Des Moines.
Through dedicated support, personalized mentorship, and invaluable career exploration opportunities, we’ve seen our students make tremendous strides toward their academic and professional goals.
From internships and apprenticeships with leading companies like Wellmark and Willis Automotive, to successfully navigating their coursework and personal development, our students have demonstrated resilience, ambition, and a strong commitment to their futures. Our community of career coaches, tutors, and industry partners has been instrumental in helping students stay on track and gain real-world experience, paving the way for their future success. As we reflect on this year’s achievements, we are proud of how far our students have come and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to empower the next generation of skilled professionals.
Your partner in talent,
Noelle Nelson
Noelle Nelson, Executive Director
A Year in Review
My name is Isabel, and I’m a senior at East High School.
Before joining Avenue Scholars, I was unsure about my career path and didn’t know where to start looking for opportunities.
Through Avenue Scholars, my career coach has helped me set clear goals and explore different career paths. One of the best parts of the program was the summer internship I got to participate in, which was in the skilled trades. This hands-on experience gave me a chance to try out different industries that I’m really passionate about. Because of the internship, I was able to receive my CPR and OSHA certifications, which was a big accomplishment for me.
My career coach also helped arrange a visit to Vermeer Manufacturing, where I got to learn more about possible career opportunities. These experiences not only taught me about different career paths but also gave me a better understanding of the benefits of union and non-union options.
Besides career advice, my career coach has supported me in other ways too. He even helped me find resources to sign up for driver's education so I could get my driver’s license.
Thanks to all the support I’ve received, I feel confident and excited about my future, especially pursuing a career as a welder. Avenue Scholars has been an amazing program for me, and I’m grateful to have been chosen to be a part of it.
Yassin is a dedicated young professional with a passion for cars.
However, he faced significant challenges during high school, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted his ability to engage with online learning.
Yassin also juggled school, work, and shared family responsibilities, facing barriers like housing and transportation. After graduating, rising rent costs forced him to find work quickly to help support his family. Despite these struggles, his love for the automotive industry kept him motivated.
Since July 2024, Yassin has been employed full-time as an Auto Detailer at Dynamic Auto Detail in Urbandale, IA. He is on track to become one of Avenue Scholars' first alumni by December 2024.
Avenue Scholars provided Yassin with crucial support, including resume building, interview skills, financial literacy, and academic recovery through FLEX Academy. The program also connected him with Dynamic Auto Detail during a business visit, leading to his full-time job. Avenue Scholars assisted with transportation costs by funding his DART pass until he could purchase his own vehicle in October 2024. Through coaching and a savings plan, Yassin is now working toward financial independence and plans to move into his own apartment by Fall 2025.
"Avenue Scholars helped turn my passion for cars into a career. From helping me build my resume to connecting me with a job in the automotive industry, they’ve been with me every step of the way. The program didn’t just help me graduate—it helped me create a path for my future."
Our Avenue to Scholar Success
Avenue Scholars guides students from recruitment to career entry, offering internships, career planning, and post-secondary pathways for workforce readiness and sustainable employment.
Programming by the Numbers
Building Bridges to Careers
How Willis Automotive and Avenue Scholars are Driving the Next Generation of Skilled Technicians
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Each year, there seems to be fewer students interested in the skilled trades. With an aging workforce and less students coming into the trade, the industry is facing a crisis. Several years ago, Willis Automotive made a concerted effort to partner with DMACC to begin building relationships with students and instructors in their automotive program. We had great success recruiting top talent from that program.
Why partner with Avenue Scholars?
A few years ago, we were approached by Noelle Nelson and Mary Core with Avenue Scholars about potential partnership opportunities. After a few meetings, we knew Avenue Scholars and Willis Automotive would be a great fit for one another. Avenue Scholars gives us an opportunity to meet students interested in the automotive industry while they are still in high school. It was a very logical next step for us, especially knowing these students would eventually have the opportunity to go to DMACC and get their AAS degree in Auto Mechanics Technology.
What are your expectations for students in the program?
Our expectations for students who are accepted into our summer apprenticeship program are pretty simple: Show up with a good attitude, be willing to learn, and work hard. When we evaluate candidates for the program, we interview them with our company core values in mind. We understand that the technical ability might not quite be there yet for a high school aged student, but the passion for automobiles is a must.
How does the apprenticeship program work?
Once the students arrive at our dealership for work, we pair them up with a senior technician with the highest level of manufacturer training. These technicians take the students under their wing both personally and professionally. They work together in 2-week intervals over a 10-week apprenticeship period. We worked with DMACC to put together a list of competencies for the program that align with their AUT114 (shop fundamentals & minor service) class. We think our apprenticeship program is a great launching pad for students to get a jump start on college and ultimately a very rewarding career in the automotive industry.
What impact has the program had?
Last summer, we brought Zack Jones from Roosevelt High School into our summer apprenticeship program. Zack is a bright young man who has the passion for automobiles (specifically Impalas) that we were looking for. Zack worked with our mentor technicians throughout the summer, and as a final project he ended up installing a transmission into his personal car. We are excited to see Zack’s progression through the automotive program at DMACC and hope our paths cross again in the future.
Empowering Purpose
How WesleyLife and Avenue Scholars Create Pathways to Fulfilling Careers in Healthcare and Service
WesleyLife is proud to partner with Avenue Scholars as we share a common vision of empowering young individuals to reach their fullest potential. Avenue Scholars’ focus on helping students navigate from high school to sustainable careers aligns perfectly with our mission of fostering growth, purpose, and pursuing joy. By working together, we can provide students with meaningful experiences in healthcare and service industries, which are both fulfilling and essential fields in today’s job market.
What opportunities are there for students in our program?
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Business Visits: We welcome Avenue Scholars students to visit our WesleyLife communities to gain insights into the healthcare and senior living industry. These visits allow students to explore various career paths, such as nursing, caregiving, culinary arts, and wellness programming, and engage with professionals to understand day-to-day operations.
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Part-time Work While in High School: Students have the opportunity to join our team in part-time roles tailored to fit their school schedules. Positions such as Resident Assistants, Dining Services staff, and Wellness Aides provide hands-on experience in a supportive, mission-driven environment. These roles not only help students develop professional skills but also provide them with meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of older adults.
What skills or characteristics are you looking for in students?
We seek students who are compassionate, reliable, and eager to learn. Key qualities include strong communication skills, empathy, teamwork, and a genuine desire to serve others. A positive attitude and willingness to adapt are also important, as the senior living industry can be dynamic and requires flexibility. We are excited to welcome students who are dedicated to personal growth and contributing to the well-being of our residents.
Has the partnership with Avenue Scholars benefited your business?
Absolutely! Partnering with Avenue Scholars has allowed us to connect with talented and motivated young individuals who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our communities. These students not only contribute to our current workforce but also serve as a pipeline for future team members who are already familiar with our culture and mission. It's been a mutually beneficial relationship, where we provide guidance and career opportunities, and, in return, we gain passionate team members committed to making a difference.
How are you helping to shape the students' professional journey?
At WesleyLife, we are committed to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of professionals. Through on-the-job training, ongoing support, and access to skilled professionals, we ensure students gain valuable experience that enhances their career readiness. Our Career Coaches and supervisors offer personalized mentorship, guiding students in developing both technical and soft skills that will serve them well in their chosen fields.
What are the different opportunities for students?
Looking ahead, we see numerous pathways for students within WesleyLife. Those who demonstrate dedication and a passion for our mission can explore long-term career opportunities, from healthcare certifications to management tracks. For students interested in pursuing healthcare careers, we provide support with additional training and certifications, such as CNA or medication aide credentials. WesleyLife’ s mission and vision empowers us to continue supporting Avenue Scholars graduates beyond high school and into fulfilling careers within our organization, whether they choose part-time roles during college or full-time positions after graduation.
Partner With Avenue Scholars
Partnerships make our students successful.
How Can Your Business Get Involved?
Avenue Scholars collaborates with local businesses to provide students with career exploration, work-based learning, and paid internships in the following sectors:
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Business
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Health Sciences
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Information Technology
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Skilled Trades & Manufacturing
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Automotive & Transportation
If you would like to learn more about how your company or organization can partner with Avenue Scholars Des Moines, contact our Business Outreach Coordinator, Brett Burk, Mary Core our Community Engagement Director or Noelle Nelson our Executive Director
Industry Partners
Thank You to Our Supporters and Partners
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community and partners. Your commitment empowers Avenue Scholars Des Moines to provide students with life-changing opportunities and a path to a brighter future.
If you would like to join us in shaping the future of our students, consider making a gift today. Your generosity helps us continue to inspire, educate, and prepare the next generation of leaders.