About the Program

Community volunteers facilitate classroom activities, host guest speakers,  and organize field trips for the students.  Role modeling provides students accessible examples of adult success and realistic, achievable pathways.

Student Profile

Youth Pathways is a voluntary in-school pull-out program targeting middle and high school students that are not involved or engaged in other activities.  Usually these students have fallen under the radar, but do not have discipline issues.  They are typically under-served and at risk for dropping out.

Students are selected by school counselors on the basis of need and potential.  Students often have few successful adult role models in their lives, limited income, and may be at-risk of dropping out of school.

Classroom Activities

Youth Pathways groups meet once a week throughout the school year at various public schools in the Greater Austin area.  Volunteers facilitate a variety of classroom activities to stimulate students’ personal growth and help them gain valuable skills.

Students discover their personal strengths through a variety of online activities.  They develop skill in identifying realistic, accessible role models in their communities.  Students explore college opportunities that can change their lives.  They learn how to apply to college and for financial aid, plus they hear university students speak about their experiences.  They also visit local college campuses.

Students discover how to match their intrinsic interests and talents to their career opportunities.  Guest speakers from the local business community share their experiences with students and guide them to resources in their particular fields.

Students may present their personal growth plans to family, members of the Pathways to Success symposium at the end of each year or at the annual luncheon.  This gives students the opportunity to synthesize what they have learned and demonstrate skills in public speaking, writing, and leadership they have gained from the program.

Field Trips

Community volunteers and students visit local college campuses, museums, community buildings, and work places to learn more about higher education and adult job opportunities.

Guest Speakers

Guest speakers from all walks of life speak to groups of students about their career fields.  Examples of professional fields include law, real estate, building trades, engineering, law enforcement, public safety, health, art, music, and more!