“Pathways to College is an excellent program. I am so happy that I was a part of the program in high school because it provided me with the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.”  Donald J., Pathways graduate ’03, Ohio State University ‘07

Overview

The principal goal of Pathways to College is to make students the best college candidates they can be. The program works after school hours throughout the high school years with selected students, primarily students of color, who demonstrate high academic potential. The target population is ninth through twelfth grade students in schools that provide only limited exposure and access to selective colleges.

Scheduled to meet during the school year twice or more weekly for a minimum of four hours, the program exposes students 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. Although it is not a remedial program, students are given direct instruction in the communications and study skills necessary for academic success. 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 has demonstrated its effectiveness in places where failure is frequently the norm. It 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 is the first program to operate under The Ophelia J. Berry Fund, Inc., established as a non-profit entity in 2003. The Berry Fund’s Trustees have assigned all operations and management responsibility to the Pathways to College Board of Directors.  Members of both boards are listed on this site under ”Governing Boards.”