High School to College Pathways
We build pathways into two-year and four-year colleges for all students
The Pathways Research and Resource Center creates research, disseminates knowledge, and supports a variety of programs with K-12 partners.
Our goal is to increase college attendance and completion rates for students—with an emphasis on equitable outcomes for all learners.
The School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh is home to a number of K-12 programs that create, strengthen, and sustain pathways into college for students from school districts with low socioeconomic statuses and high proportions of first-generation college students.
Justice Scholars Institute
Based in the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, the Justice Scholars Institute (JSI) is a college preparation and academic enrichment program for high school students in Pittsburgh Public Schools.
For over a decade, JSI has prepared young people to become advocates for change and social justice.
Graduates have attended college at institutions around the country—including Stanford, Morehouse, North Carolina A&T, Duquesne, Penn State, Slippery Rock, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Activities include:
- College in High School courses
- College readiness programming and campus visits
- Service learning and community engagement projects
- Research papers and project
Genius, Joy, and Love Academy
Based in the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, Genius, Joy, and Love is a summer academy to encourage high school students of color to pursue the teaching profession.
The goal is to increase the number of Black and Brown educators at a time when Black teachers make up less than 4% of the K-12 teaching population in Pittsburgh.
Learn more by contacting Dr. Shallegra Moye, Director of Educational Enrichment & Transition Program, at sdm76@pitt.edu.
Program Highlights:
- 4-week program held in summer months
- Open to juniors and seniors from Pittsburgh Public Schools
- Gain insight into becoming a teacher through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and field trips
- Held on the Pitt campus
Western Pennsylvania Writing Project
For more than 40 years, the WPWP has been a bedrock of literacy enrichment and professional development for educators across Western Pennsylvania.
WPWP offers the Young Writers Institute each summer to give young people exciting and engaging environments to explore the craft of writing and education.
Program Highlights:
- Two-week summer program
- Open to rising 5th-11th graders across all school districts
- Age groups explore different themes
- Taught by a diverse group of educators and students
