Omaha Public Schools offers Avenue Scholars at various schools throughout the district.

“Avenue Scholars is like a career readiness class, which is sports and careers,” said teacher Jose Almanza. “We take them around the community, see what kind of jobs internships are around. Senior year, we take you to Metropolitan Community College to start doing some classes and maybe see what careers you’d be interested in.”

Almanza went to the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where he graduated in 2017. Previously he was the Avenue Scholars coach at South High and Papillon LaVista High. He was attracted to the diversity. Almanzas hiring was news to juniors and seniors who learned of the change via email.

“I heard it over this summer,” said senior Misael Tapia. “I was indifferent because I didn’t really know the other Avenue Scholars teacher.”

Now that students are almost halfway through the school year, they have gotten to know Almanza and his classroom environment better.

“I like that he let us decorate the room together,” said junior Marely Barerra Bustamante. “I felt more comfortable, and then there’s nothing to really dislike about the class.”

Alamnza wants to provide a positive, comfortable, and interactive environment for students.

“I think I’m already doing a good job just by being a Hispanic male in the classroom,” Almanza said. “That’s already giving a lot of students that comfort, that there’s someone like me that’s up there. There’s a lot of power within that.”

Almanza’s goals aren’t limited to building connections. He wants to help students plan their futures. Almanza’s way of teaching reflects his goals, and students notice the effort.

“I like the way he teaches,” Tapia said. “He’s not really leaving us alone just to do whatever. He shows how to do it.”

Students feel like they can communicate with Almanza.

“He’s really approachable,” Barrera Bustamante said. “I ask him questions all the time.”

Students feel like they are supported and do not find this class very difficult. In fact, they describe it as something easy and beneficial.

“I recommend this class, for sure, because Avenue Scholars helps people pay for community college, and they help pay for their driver’s permit and license and for a lot of things,” Barrera Bustamante said.

So far, the juniors are doing career awareness events like going to community locations specific to their interests including Onyx dealership, Baxter, and more.

Almanza came with a focus.

“The goal is to get as many kids as possible into internships and for them to be happy with the career they’re going into.” Almanza said