Avenue Scholars partners with Omaha-area businesses on career training and job opportunities for our Scholars.
Learn more about our partnership with ACCESSbank in this Q&A with Kathy Headley, senior vice president and director of organizational experience.
What inspired ACCESSbank to partner with Avenue Scholars, and when did the partnership begin?
Our partnership with Avenue Scholars began in 2021, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience ever since. As a local bank dedicated to serving our community, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to invest in the next generation of young professionals.
From the moment we learned how Avenue Scholars empowers students to build meaningful futures in high-potential career paths (like banking), we knew it was a mission we wanted to champion. Their career-first approach aligned perfectly with our passion for giving back in a way that makes a real impact.
We continue to partner with Avenue Scholars because of the students. Through every interaction, the students are engaged, professional, and eager to learn more about their future opportunities. Our partnership has connected us to a diverse pipeline of talented young professionals who are not only ready to contribute, but also motivated to grow, making it a win-win for us, the students, and Avenue Scholars.
How does this collaboration align with ACCESSbank’s mission or values?
Our partnership with Avenue Scholars directly reflects our purpose of Creating Positive Experiences – not just for our clients, but for the next generation of professionals. By aligning with our core values, the ACCESSway, we are accessible and client-centered by meeting students where they are and helping them build confidence. We approach this work with character and a commitment to excellence, while fostering a positive attitude and teamwork alongside the Avenue Scholars team.
Serving the community is what we do, and together, we’re creating meaningful experiences that prepare students for successful careers.
Can you share a success story or highlight from working with Avenue Scholars?
We are proud to share that our very first Avenue Scholars intern joined us nearly four years ago and continues to be a valued member of our team, serving in a variety of roles and locations. And she’s not alone. We’ve welcomed several interns, hosted students on-site for Career Awareness sessions, and directly mentor students through mock interviews and Bootcamp sessions. Every interaction is a reminder of the potential these students bring and why this partnership matters so much in the work we do.
What else?
One of the things that truly sets Avenue Scholars apart is their unwavering commitment to the long-term success of their students. Their career coaches and program team don’t just support students, they walk alongside them. They build real relationships, offer practical guidance, and help young professionals navigate not only the workplace, but life. We’ve seen firsthand how that one-on-one coaching, mentorship, and encouragement can make all the difference.
From our side, the Avenue Scholars team is truly exceptional to work with. Every event, internship, or session is thoughtfully organized, collaborative, and impactful. We feel incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated partner and community resource right here in Omaha. Their work is changing lives, and we’re proud to play a small part in it
