Mission & Vision
Enhancing Educational Opportunities Throughout the Life Course
Established in 2026, the Pathways Research and Resource Center (PRCC) is based in the University of Pittsburgh School of Education.
Founding director Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, Professor and Renée and Richard Goldman Dean, formed PRRC to serve as a centralized hub that drives innovative initiatives spanning P-20 education
Purpose
The Pathways Research and Resource Center seeks to advance knowledge, empower individuals, and strengthen communities by providing accessible, evidence-based, practical resources. The PRRC serves as a bridge between research, education, and community engagement, and application, helping individuals and organizations navigate complex challenges and identify clear, actionable pathways toward growth and well-being.
Mission
Our mission is to lead research, practice, and leadership development that informs decision-making, broadens participation and equitable opportunity. We are committed to collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and communities to ensure inclusive, relevant, and impactful access to credentials of value, workforce development, and expand educational and economic mobility.
Our goal is to provide useful tools and strategies that help students navigate school, careers, and life.
Values
Accessibility
We believe knowledge should be understandable and available to all, regardless of background, education, or circumstance.
Collaboration
We value partnerships across disciplines and communities, recognizing that diverse perspectives strengthen outcomes.
Innovation
We embrace creativity and forward-thinking approaches to address emerging challenges and improve lives.
Equity and Inclusion
We are dedicated to advancing fairness and ensuring that underserved and underrepresented populations have access to resources and opportunities.
Impact
We focus on producing work that leads to measurable, positive change in individuals, organizations, and communities.
Key Expertise
Pathway Analysis
Examining different educational pathways and their outcomes.
Equity and Access
Investigating barriers to postsecondary education and developing strategies to promote equity and inclusion.
Labor Market Alignment
Analyzing the alignment between educational programs and labor market needs to ensure students are well-prepared for the workforce.
Core Objectives
- Create and curate a repository of resources that support students, educators, and policymakers in making informed decisions.
- Conduct comprehensive research on postsecondary pathways, identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities.
- Advance applied research on credential attainment, workforce alignment, and mobility.
- Co-create solutions with practitioners to improve student outcomes.
- Scale equitable pathways through integration with the Pathways Center.
- Strengthen leadership pipelines for community college faculty, staff, and executives.
- Influence systems and policies that support inclusive postsecondary attainment, workplace learning, and regional economic growth.
- Offer training and development programs for educators and counselors to enhance their ability to guide students effectively.
- Outreach and foster collaboration with educational institutions, industry partners, and community organizations to expand the reach and impact of our initiatives.
