Fully virtual after-school program broadens student access to proven Pathways to College curriculum

Pathways to College is celebrating the first anniversary of its National Scholars Program, a fully virtual after-school program that prepares African American and other high school students of color for college success in a caring, family environment. Participating students are known as Scholars.

“Through our National Scholars Program, we not only extend the reach of our proven curriculum to more Scholars, we also expand their horizons through meaningful learning experiences with peers across geographies,” said Judith Berry Griffin, founder and president of Pathways to College. “In evaluations from the first year of the National Scholars Program, which launched when virtual learning had become ubiquitous due to the pandemic, Scholars heralded the relationships cultivated by outstanding teachers, as well as practical planning for college, career and beyond.”

The anniversary celebration will include testimonials from Scholars on social media during the week of Feb. 21 – 25.

The National Scholars Program provides virtual delivery of the same research-based Pathways to College curriculum that has nurtured the dreams of high school students of color in-person since 2003. National Scholars Program teachers carefully create a vibrant and intentional virtual community.

The curriculum helps Scholars develop the critical thinking skills and habits of mind that research indicates necessary for academic and career success. Program hallmarks include a 100% college acceptance rate for graduating Scholars. Students are selected based on potential, not necessarily prior performance.

The National Scholars Program also builds on the deep experience of Pathways to College with remote learning. Its former Associate Scholars Program used direct mail to serve more than 1,200 Scholars in 34 states over 16 years.

High school students of color living in the Central and Eastern time zones may apply now for the National Scholars Program.

Donations to Pathways to College are doubled through a generous match from the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation.

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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.