• Our Programs

Programs Overview

Pathways to College carries out its mission through both its School-based Scholars Program and its distance-learning National Scholars Program. It has demonstrated its effectiveness in places where failure is frequently the norm.

Significant Impact

Pathways has brought real knowledge, inspiration and success to students, teachers, families, schools and communities. It has changed lives and offered hope and encouragement. And it has generated a small but growing network of children and families, teachers and administrators who support, encourage and inspire each other, and in so doing create additional success.

In time, that network can grow to change many, many lives, and can ultimately temper the ways in which children are taught to see themselves and their world.

Pathways to College

School-Based Scholars Program

In pursuit of our goal of expanding the numbers of underserved students earning a college degree, Pathways to College has developed a remarkably successful strategy that links college preparation and access with school improvement.

Commitment

We work after school hours throughout the high school years with selected students, primarily students of color, in whom we see high academic and leadership potential, referring to them as Pathways to College Scholars. We create safe places for our Scholars to be smart, where teams of teachers and learners are free to focus on academic and personal success, career exploration, college access and courageous leadership.

 

Our Scholars develop and practice their leadership skills by intentionally working to influence students in their schools and other peer groups to recognize that college completion is an achievable goal, and to encourage positive school change. Through this program, our goal is to establish enduring program sites in challenged high schools.

Our target population is ninth through twelfth graders in schools where academic interest is minimal to moderate and only limited exposure and access to selective colleges can be provided. Depending on the size of the school, a learning team of up to 100 Pathways to College Scholars is selected by application and teacher recommendation.

The program is not remedial. Applicant potential is identified by evaluating several carefully developed criteria. Standardized test scores may be collected if necessary for college application purposes but never serve as a criterion for selection as a Pathways Scholar. Students develop the tools they need to reflect, articulate and build on their life experiences and strengthen critical thinking, communication, teamwork , problem-solving and other skills that research indicates are key to academic and personal success.

Engagement

Sessions are scheduled twice or more weekly during the school year for a minimum of four hours, exposing Pathways to College Scholars and their families to valuable resources and information. Within a supportive, expectant and confident atmosphere, it provides the tools and guidance necessary for students and families to make informed choices and effective plans for higher education and for personal and career development. Our curriculum focuses on the reality that students must learn a new language and culture – not “better” than the one they know, but one that is needed to optimize their potential for success in college and in their desired careers.

A series of informational sessions for families is offered during the school year. Pathways Scholars participate in a range of out-of-school meetings, events and trips, some of which are available to other students to encourage school-wide academic interest; 11th grade Scholars go on a college tour of several days’ duration.

Smart Hires

From a carefully identified pool, we hire up to four of the most effective teachers in each participating school. These teachers provide coaching support, targeting the critical life skills and intellectual habits of mind that research indicates are essential to prepare for and succeed, academically and personally in college and beyond.

Pathways to College is a vehicle critically needed by institutions of higher learning to expand the pipeline of under-served minority students identified and adequately prepared for college recruitment, attendance and completion.

Pathways to College

School-Based Scholars Program

In pursuit of our goal of expanding the numbers of underserved students earning a college degree, Pathways to College has developed a remarkably successful strategy that links college preparation and access with school improvement.

Commitment

We work after school hours throughout the high school years with selected students, primarily students of color, in whom we see high academic and leadership potential, referring to them as Pathways to College Scholars. We create safe places for our Scholars to be smart, where teams of teachers and learners are free to focus on academic and personal success, career exploration, college access and courageous leadership.

 

Our Scholars develop and practice their leadership skills by intentionally working to influence students in their schools and other peer groups to recognize that college completion is an achievable goal, and to encourage positive school change. Through this program, our goal is to establish enduring program sites in challenged high schools.

Our target population is ninth through twelfth graders in schools where academic interest is minimal to moderate and only limited exposure and access to selective colleges can be provided. Depending on the size of the school, a learning team of up to 100 Pathways to College Scholars is selected by application and teacher recommendation.

The program is not remedial. Applicant potential is identified by evaluating several carefully developed criteria. Standardized test scores may be collected if necessary for college application purposes but never serve as a criterion for selection as a Pathways Scholar. Students develop the tools they need to reflect, articulate and build on their life experiences and strengthen critical thinking, communication, teamwork , problem-solving and other skills that research indicates are key to academic and personal success.

Engagement

Sessions are scheduled twice or more weekly during the school year for a minimum of four hours, exposing Pathways to College Scholars and their families to valuable resources and information. Within a supportive, expectant and confident atmosphere, it provides the tools and guidance necessary for students and families to make informed choices and effective plans for higher education and for personal and career development. Our curriculum focuses on the reality that students must learn a new language and culture – not “better” than the one they know, but one that is needed to optimize their potential for success in college and in their desired careers.

A series of informational sessions for families is offered during the school year. Pathways Scholars participate in a range of out-of-school meetings, events and trips, some of which are available to other students to encourage school-wide academic interest; 11th grade Scholars go on a college tour of several days’ duration.

Smart Hires

From a carefully identified pool, we hire up to four of the most effective teachers in each participating school. These teachers provide coaching support, targeting the critical life skills and intellectual habits of mind that research indicates are essential to prepare for and succeed, academically and personally in college and beyond.

Pathways to College is a vehicle critically needed by institutions of higher learning to expand the pipeline of under-served minority students identified and adequately prepared for college recruitment, attendance and completion.

Pathways to College

Become A National Scholar

Pathways provides a distance-learning opportunity for students in high schools where the School-based Scholars Program is currently unavailable.

Exploring Opportunities

The National Scholars Program offers information and support to selected students who are beginning the process of exploring career opportunities and applying to college. Motivated students interested in doing well in high school and going on to obtain an education at a competitive college may apply to become Pathways to College National Scholars. Accepted applicants are placed in contact with our Partner Colleges, who may send information on their undergraduate and pre-college programs. Also, from time to time we send newsletters and other useful information and materials on preparing for college. Presently, National Scholars reside in 22 states and the District of Columbia.

The Guide

All applicants will receive Pathways to College: An Explorer’s Guide, a comprehensive guidebook that explains in clear language the steps students and families need to take, well in advance of senior year, to select appropriate high school classes, to identify “personal best” college choices, complete the application process, and to find financial aid. The guidebook, which includes a message from Oprah Winfrey, will be forwarded soon after each application is received.

Apply

Students interested in becoming National Scholars can complete the application (click the link below) and submit it electronically, or by mail to the address below:

Applications should be mailed to:

Pathways to College
National Scholars Program
PO BOX 2105
Middletown NY 10940

Apply Now
Pathways to College

Become A National Scholar

Pathways provides a distance-learning opportunity for students in high schools where the School-based Scholars Program is currently unavailable.

Exploring Opportunities

The National Scholars Program offers information and support to selected students who are beginning the process of exploring career opportunities and applying to college. Motivated students interested in doing well in high school and going on to obtain an education at a competitive college may apply to become Pathways to College National Scholars. Accepted applicants are placed in contact with our Partner Colleges, who may send information on their undergraduate and pre-college programs. Also, from time to time we send newsletters and other useful information and materials on preparing for college. Presently, National Scholars reside in 22 states and the District of Columbia.

The Guide

All applicants will receive Pathways to College: An Explorer’s Guide, a comprehensive guidebook that explains in clear language the steps students and families need to take, well in advance of senior year, to select appropriate high school classes, to identify “personal best” college choices, complete the application process, and to find financial aid. The guidebook, which includes a message from Oprah Winfrey, will be forwarded soon after each application is received.

Apply

Students interested in becoming National Scholars can complete the application (click the link below) and submit it electronically, or by mail to the address below:

Applications should be mailed to:

Pathways to College
National Scholars Program
PO BOX 2105
Middletown NY 10940

Apply Now
Pathways to College

Pathways to College: An Explorer’s Guide

A Clear Guide

Pathways to College has a comprehensive, clear guidebook written specifically for students in grades 8 to 12. It explains the steps that you and your family need to take, starting well before senior year, to select the right high school classes, to identify “personal best” colleges, complete the application process, and find financial aid. In it you will also find much of what you need to know to be a successful high school student, college applicant and proud graduate.

You can learn about study skills, identifying your academic and personal strengths, exploring career opportunities, what colleges look for in the applications they receive, and importantly, how to encourage your friends to stay on the pathway to college also.

The guidebook begins with messages from Judith Berry Griffin, Founder and President of Pathways to College, and from Oprah Winfrey, our partner in producing the Explorer’s Guide. We are pleased and proud to share it with you. There is no cost for this or for other Pathways to College materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How Can My Child Become A Pathways to College Student?

Our School-based Scholars Program operates after school in partner schools and communities. If it is not currently available in your community, high school age students can apply to our National Scholars Program – please see the program description and APPLY NOW link under the WHAT WE DO tab.

How Can We Get Pathways to College In Our School?

Pathways to College welcomes inquiries from prospective program sites. Our approach to establishing programs requires that we engage community leaders and funders. We encourage you to forward information about Pathways to College to your school superintendent, principal and other community leaders, and alert us so that we may follow up.

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