Proven, research-based after-school program to support middle school outcomes
Aspire Charter Academy (Gary, Indiana) is offering its middle school students a proven, research-based after-school program — Pathways to College — that helps students of color develop the habits of mind for success in college and beyond.
The partnership kicked off with a four-week summer enrichment program — Aspire Charter Academy Pathways to College: Summer Discovery — that combined classroom sessions with educational field trips in Chicago. The summer curriculum was created to support writing, literacy, cultural and world awareness, preliminary college readiness for middle school students, along with historic and cultural experiences outside of the classroom.
The school-year program meets twice per week with leadership from Aspire’s own highly effective teachers who are carefully selected and trained to coach and mentor students, and to develop a schoolwide culture of college aspiration, academic excellence, and leadership achievement. The curriculum focuses on courageous leadership, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, global citizenship, and cultural relevance.
“Pathways is another way for Aspire’s Scholars to grow in our nine areas of moral focus, which are key to our curriculum as a National Heritage Academies school,” said Aspire Charter Academy Principal ReNae Robinson. “The summer program demonstrated strong student attendance, robust discussions, and new opportunities to learn about student interests, which we will build on in the new school year.”
“At Pathways, we find and nurture children of color whose potential may not be captured by traditional measures of achievement like grades and test scores,” said Judith Berry Griffin, founder and president of Pathways to College. “We deeply appreciate the leadership from Principal Robinson as we partner with her outstanding team to help students understand their strengths and to prepare for academic and personal success.”
At Aspire, Pathways works most intensively with the 7th and 8th graders who enroll in the program. Introductory activities will be provided for 6th graders. A College Day Trip and Cultural and College Overnight Trip are planned. There will be a schoolwide College Expo, and Summer Discovery will be offered in summer 2025.
Since 2003, Pathways to College has nurtured the dreams of nearly 4,900 “Scholars” in 23 sites with an after-school program focused on critical thinking and courageous leadership to support academic and career success. Hallmarks of the program include a focus on students whose potential may be overlooked, carefully selected local teachers, and intensive professional development.
About Pathways to College
Pathways to College is an after-school program that helps students of color in under-served communities develop the habits of mind for success in college and in life. While only 30% of students enter Pathways having been identified as “high achieving,” fully 100% of graduating Scholars earn college acceptance and 90% enter college.
Contact: Alyssa Alston, Director of Communications
communications@pathwaystocollege.org | 202-924-1691