Avenue Scholars Awarded Grant to Strengthen Skilled Trades Pathway for DMPS Students

Des Moines, IA — January 24, 2025 Avenue Scholars is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a significant 5-year grant from the Thomas and Linda Koehn Foundation. This funding will be used to expand and enhance the Skilled Trades Pathway for students within Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). The grant underscores Avenue Scholars’ commitment to preparing students for rewarding careers in high-demand industries, while addressing the workforce needs of the local community.

The Skilled Trades Pathway is designed to empower students to overcome barriers and successfully transition from high school to apprenticeship programs, technical training, or full-time employment in skilled trades. With the support of this grant, Avenue Scholars aims to:

• Increase Access and Support: Hire a dedicated post-secondary career coach exclusively focused on skilled trades, ensuring individualized guidance for students as they navigate their career journeys.

• Reduce Financial Barriers: Provide financial support for essential items like tools, workwear, and transportation, enabling students to enter apprenticeships or jobs fully prepared.

• Expand Industry Expertise: Collaborate with subject-matter experts to build capacity among staff and students, fostering stronger connections with local trade unions and employers.

• Promote Earlier Recruitment: Recruit, educate, and support students starting in middle school who have an interest in pursuing a career in the trades.

"This investment allows us to build a more robust pathway that opens doors to life-changing opportunities for our students," said Noelle Nelson, Executive Director of Avenue Scholars. "Through an increased emphasis on the trades, we can equip students with the skills and confidence needed to secure stable, high-paying careers that contribute to our local economy."

By the fall of 2025, Avenue Scholars will serve 250 students across all five DMPS high schools, with an increasing number expressing interest in the skilled trades. Thanks to The Koehn Foundation's generosity, the program aims to significantly boost enrollment in this pathway and achieve long-term success metrics, including higher placement rates in apprenticeships and full-time skilled trades roles.

“Since our partnership with Avenue Scholars was announced three years ago, they have been a valuable player in helping high school students not only better consider the connection between their education and career goals, but to also create pathways to success,” said Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. “One of our goals at DMPS is that more and more students are future ready, and the work of Avenue Scholars is a major contributor to the progress being made.”

About Avenue Scholars
Avenue Scholars is dedicated to helping students discover their strengths, navigate career pathways, and achieve meaningful employment in high demand industries. Through personalized coaching, academic support, and industry partnerships, Avenue Scholars connects students to opportunities that align with their passions and talents.