How Pathways to College Achieves a 100% College Acceptance Rate

Newly available video overviews strategy for coaching students of color to college success 

In this overview from last month’s McGraw Education Prize Webinar, Judith Berry Griffin, past recipient of the Prize, champions the high expectations and deep belief in student potential that result in a 100 percent college acceptance rate for the unique after-school program.

Griffin is founder and president of Pathways to College, a high school after-school program that helps African American and other students of color develop the critical thinking skills and habits of mind for success in college and in life.

During the full event, Griffin explained the values shared by students and staff, unique strategies for identifying student potential, how the program nurtures student talent, program outcomes, and student and teacher perceptions.

Griffin also recognized the program’s long and successful partnership with Newark Public Schools, which is a model site for collaboration with other school districts. Students at Newark’s six comprehensive high schools (Barringer Academy of S.T.E.A.M., Central, East Side, Malcolm X Shabazz, Weequahic and West Side) are welcome to apply for the program.

Regarding the generosity of donors, Griffin celebrated well-known benefactor Oprah Winfrey for her longstanding generosity. Donations to Pathways to College continue to be matched by the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation.

The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education celebrates innovation, inspiration, and impact in education by recognizing outstanding individuals whose accomplishments are making a difference in the lives of students.

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Contact: Alyssa Alston, Director of Communications

communications@pathwaystocollege.org | 202-924-1691

Pathways to College is an after-school program providing information, guidance and support to help African American and other students of color become the best high school students, college applicants and college students they can be. Although we welcome all students of color, we focus on under-served African American high school students, whose potential has been marginalized for generations.