Youth Confidence Day
What does it take to create brighter futures?
Creating a clear and supported path to college for low-income students continues to be the most vital work of our generation.
We know what our students need. Our work strongly pushes against unfortunate college enrollment trends — trends that deter important economic advances in communities of financial challenges.
They need expert guidance, loving support, and opportunities to challenge and illuminate their worth to develop the tenacity and confidence to go after their highest potential.
What does it take to create brighter futures? It takes a community devoted to supporting our students as they surmount hurdle after hurdle. They are determined to achieve a path to college and career success with little to no debt to be the beacons of achievement and pull their families forward. Path to College can create these opportunities, but only with the help and support of our partners, volunteers, and donors. We are steadfastly committed to not letting our community's greatest resource fall through the cracks.
"Path To College encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and take steps toward advancing in our personal and professional lives. Speed Interview Night is a key highlight, where we offer the opportunity to be interviewed and receive feedback on our performance. As I began my first-ever interview, I was nervous and lacked confidence, something noticed by the interviewers. As time continued, my confidence increased, I became familiar with common questions, and I was able to articulate my experiences and qualifications effectively by the 8th round of interviews." - Yocelin Santizo, Class of 2025
Our volunteer mentors illuminate the path ahead for our students and help build an unshakeable foundation of support. Why do our driven and under-resourced students need Mentors?
Break the cycle of generational poverty - over $4.5M in scholarships obtained
Mitigate high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores of students that lead to dropping out and substance abuse.
Belong everywhere - Increase diverse college enrollment - 100% of graduates enroll in a 4-year college
Create a village of support
…Because no one should trudge the path to college alone.
On National Youth Confidence Day, we celebrate our students' potential, accomplishments, energy, and spirit. We aim to instill confidence and continue to help them grow into successful young professionals.
When youth have high self-esteem, they're assertive in expressing their needs and opinions, are confident in their ability to make decisions, can form secure and honest relationships, are more resilient and better able to weather stress and setbacks, and less overly critical of themselves and others, and have realistic expectations.
Path to College mentors report a 93% increase in confidence, especially in professional networking and public speaking.
"Our mentors, volunteers, and donors always find new ways to support our goals, guide our paths, and motivate us. This community helps us understand that making mistakes and trying again is okay. If there is anything that this community has taught me, it's this: how to bounce back. That support has opened doors to incredible opportunities and resources for me and the other fellows. You've shown us how to thrive in a world that often does not support us." -Karma McLeod, class of 2025