Pathways to College has been awarded a grant worth $15,000 from The Novartis Foundation for its work in Newark (New Jersey) Public Schools.

“By focusing on higher education, we aim to improve the lifetime health outcomes of our Scholars,” said Judith Berry Griffin, founder and president of Pathways to College. “Rigorously preparing overlooked youth of color for college and life success strengthens not only our Scholars but also their families and communities.”

The grant supports the work of Pathways to College at Newark’s six comprehensive public high schools. Since 2003, Pathways to College has nurtured the dreams of more than 4,600 African American and other high school students of color living in under-served communities, through an after-school program that provides coaching in the critical thinking skills and habits of mind that research indicates are necessary for academic and career success.

Newark is the flagship site for the School-Based Scholars Program at Pathways to College, serving nearly 20 years as a demonstration model for its partnerships with other school systems. Superintendent Roger León included Pathways to College in the Newark Board of Education’s 10-year strategic plan, and in fall 2021, the program was expanded to all comprehensive public high schools: Barringer, Central, East Side, Malcolm X Shabazz, Weequahic and West Side.

Hallmarks of Pathways to College include a focus on African American and other high school students of color; a caring, family environment; a 100% college acceptance rate for graduating Scholars; and applicant selection based on potential, not necessarily prior performance.

High school students of color in grades 9-11 may apply to Pathways to College.

Donations to put additional Scholars on the pathway to college are currently doubled through a matching program 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 to prepare for lifelong success. Although we welcome all students of color, we focus on under-served African American high school students, whose potential has been marginalized for generations.