Earlier this year Middle Grade Services Program Manager Ann Connelly hosted a meeting highlighting services available to our GEAR UP middle schools. One of those presenting was Cindy Erwin from Pathways to Prosperity.
Operating as part of the Center for the Future of Arizona, Pathways to Prosperity is an early college initiative aimed at having more students graduate with degrees and credentials that lead to careers in high-demand fields. The goal is to better prepare students for careers starting as early as middle school.
Pathways to Prosperity works with local middle schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, and local businesses to help build a strong foundation and prepare students for future careers.
“Through our partnership with GEAR UP, we were able to bring in a curriculum that focuses on high-quality college and career exploration,” Cindy Erwin said.
One way this is achieved is through work-based learning, where industry and education are integrated to give students hands-on experience in certain fields, including STEM, healthcare, and information technologies.
Pathways to Prosperity works with students to help map out a plan to reach students’ desired careers. They review what kind of classes to take in high school, what colleges are the right fit, and what internships would be best.
The curriculum has been well received by both teachers and students—one reason is the implementation strategy. Pathways to Prosperity provides educators with professional development on the course and how to effectively teach and guide students through it.
At the start of the pandemic, GEAR UP provided funds to help move the in-person curriculum online, and it will begin this Fall.
“We are really excited for the launch of this online curriculum. We get to provide this hybrid experience where students get to learn in-person and have the freedom to work remotely as well,” Cindy Erwin said.
The curriculum was built to help students explore their interests and see what careers fit best. From there, they are guided through how to achieve the career they are interested in—helping to build a brighter future for students and the state of Arizona.
For more information, visit Pathways to Prosperity.