May 2026 Edition

Dear Friends of Avenue Scholars,

Even for those of us who’ve been out of school for a while, there’s something exciting about the start of summer break. The school year winds down. The temperature rises. And that warm May breeze feels like a collective sigh of relief, promising sunshine, sandals, and slower days ahead.

Of course, student or not, that’s true for some of us more than others! 

At Avenue Scholars, we’ve stayed plenty busy. This month, we celebrated 13 graduating classes of seniors (see the above photo), who are off to the next leg of their career journey. We hosted our DMV Day event, where 47 Scholars had the chance to obtain their driver’s license, learner’s permit, or state ID – all costs covered.

We celebrated 12 Scholars who graduated as CNAs from QLI’s IMPACT Program, launched a new partnership with a local business partner, and hosted an evening of fun (and fajitas!) at Topgolf. And, believe me, I could go on.

Our Scholars stay as busy as we do. (You’ll read about one impressive example, Dawson C., below.) This summer, many are off to internships, part-time jobs, or our Boot Camp program, which starts next week and runs the month of June. 

We can’t wait to share updates from them all. Because there’s something equally exciting about a busy summer – especially when you’re chasing your goals.

With Gratitude,

Lindsay Decker

CEO

They're Going Places! On DMV Day, Scholars Get the Keys to Their Future

This month, at our DMV Day event, 47 Scholars had the chance to test for and obtain their learner’s permits, driver’s licenses, or state IDs. And, with the generous support of the AAA Auto Club Group (ACG) Foundation, Avenue Scholars was able to cover the costs.


You can see photos and watch a video recap on our blog!

We’re so grateful to the ACG Foundation and the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles for making this opportunity possible for our Scholars, who can now go wherever the road takes them!

From High School to Journeyman – Meet Welding Whiz Dawson C.

Dawson C. is sending sparks behind him, advancing in his welding career at record speed. 

Since graduating from Papillion La Vista High School in 2025, Dawson has been pursuing welding at an apprentice level while completing his degree in Welding Technology at Metropolitan Community College.

Over a year of hard work later, his dedication to his craft has paid off: This summer, working at Patriot Crane & Rigging, he earned a promotion to the journeyman level.

It’s an impressive feat for someone this early in his career — one that Dawson attributes to the years of support he's received from his Avenue Scholars Career Coaches.

Mad Hatter/Westgate Provides Scholars with Service, Safety

This spring, Avenue Scholars established a partnership agreement with Omaha’s Mad Hatter Auto Repair and Westgate High-Tech Auto Care to provide discounted services for Scholars’ vehicles.

When a Scholar encounters a problem, they can visit one of Mad Hatter and Westgate’s three locations for a free visual safety inspection and a diagnostic service at a flat fee. Mad Hatter and Westgate will then work with the Scholar and program staff on a plan for repair. In most cases, Avenue Scholars will cover the full or partial repair cost.

“The idea that there is something that’s preventing you from being your best and going to school or work, even if it’s financial, we can help get that taken care of for our Scholars,” said Andrew Ciochetto, Career Services program manager for Avenue Scholars. “Our goal is to always work in the best interest of the Scholar – that’s our number one thing.”

Look back at some impactful moments with our staff and Scholars from the past month:

• Flourish and Men of Standard gathered together to celebrate end of the school year at Topgolf.
• 12 Scholars graduated with their CNA certifications from QLI's IMPACT Program.
• We celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, recognizing the role of our High School Team and Career Services Coaches in educating our Scholars.
• Senior Scholars capped off their high school careers with celebrations hosted by their Coaches.
• 12 Scholars completed CPR/BLS training at the Avenue Scholars offices, earning certifications they need to advance in their healthcare careers.

Join us in congratulating all of our Scholars who ended the school year with amazing accomplishments and to everyone who graduated this spring!

Prepare for a Summer of Success

It's going to be a busy and exciting summer for our Scholars! 


Boot Camps are kicking off, internships are starting, and we're always cooking up something fun at the Avenue Scholars office.

Explore our blog here, follow us on social media to hype up our Scholars' successes, or click below to make an online gift to our mission.