ABOUT US
Mission
To eliminate the disparities in college and career reading
Vision
We desire to be the catalyst of a movement in which all students have access to the information and guidance needed to achieve their academic and career goals regardless of their background and home support system.
Why We Exist
Pathfinders was founded by Christopher Jarrett. As a high school math teacher, he noticed that students were often not focused on succeeding in school. A further inquiry with students identified that the primary reason for these students' minimal focus was a lack of academic and career ambition.
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In response, Christopher began holding after-school sessions teaching study and life skills, college readiness action steps, and providing career insight and coaching. The monthly Pathfinders College and Career Prep Sessions were then initiated to give students first-hand introductions to members of their community who have acquired inspiring academic and career success.
Why We're Needed (The Numbers)
Pathfinders are critical for first-generation college students who have no mentorship. Students with mentors are 55% more likely to be enrolled in college. Additionally, mentored adults earn an additional $10,000 more annually than those who did not have a mentor. Unfortunately, 68% of adults have had no mentor in their lifetime.
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Our sincerely compassionate counselors are tasked with nearly all college and career-related services among numerous additional responsibilities. However, according to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the average student-to-counselor ratio is 408:1. This alarming proportion leaves many students without guidance during a critical juncture, even in the most ideal educational environments.
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Pathfinders programming is designed to close these gaps