Curriculum Components

The Avenue Scholars meet with their Talent Advisors every day for one period. The class focuses on five main curriculum components outlined below:

Cognition    Preparing for academic success 

For our students, acquiring college-level academic skills is of utmost importance. However, most Avenue Scholars lack the necessary skills and discipline when they enter the program. Class time throughout the junior and senior years will focus on improving reading, writing, math, and study skills. In addition, tutoring sessions will assist students in mastering their current high school classes.

Choices    Setting and achieving personal goals and pursuing individual success

Some class time will be devoted to setting realistic goals for school and for life. One example is our use of the Gallup Strengths Spotlight.  It helps high school students understand, use, and grow their unique talents, and it encourages student achievement through strengths. Each student will develop a realistic plan (goals) for school, career, and life.  Individual plans will be reviewed and revised regularly.

College Access    Understanding the college process

Most of our students and parents have a limited understanding of the post-secondary education. The Avenue class will offer one-on-one support for all of the college access questions such as finding a college, filling out applications, paying the bills, selecting a major, or taking the ACT. Avenue Scholars will visit college campuses and get to know college administrators, teachers, and students.

Career Entry    Expanding the vision of what is possible

Another component of the Avenue curriculum is career exploration.  Students will have the opportunity to review career interest inventories, visit job sites, and talk with professionals in a variety of occupations.  Students will also hone their resume writing and interview skills. Bright Futures Foundation works with students until they become successfully employed following college.

Community    We’re all in this together

The Avenue Scholars must see themselves as members of a community, a community that is future oriented and committed to achieving success in life through success in school.  Building the Avenue community spirit will lead to establishing peer support and peer pressure to do the right thing.  We also believe that students need to see themselves as part of the larger community.  We will encourage the notion of “paying it forward” with volunteer activities throughout Omaha. 

What does the class look like? 

In a typical week, class sessions focus on direct teaching of the five curriculum components, tutoring, and specialized units of study such as ACT test preparation or filling out a college application.  Whenever you visit an Avenue class, you’ll see kids engaged in learning and becoming successful students and citizens.