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New in 2026 — The BEST Pathways Program

Getting in is onlythe beginning.

BEST Pathways exists to close the gap between potential and opportunity — walking alongside first-generation and opportunity-disconnected students through every obstacle between enrollment and a meaningful career.

Our Why

Talent is abundant. Access is not.

Where a student starts should not determine where they finish. The scholars in Pathways have already overcome enormous odds to enroll. Our role is to help them cross the finish line — and keep going.

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NJ-based scholars, rooted in Trenton & Mercer County
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Scholar mentorship coverage across the program
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Pillars of holistic support behind every Fellow
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Scholarships awarded since 2025

Our Philosophy

The BEST difference

Many mentoring programs focus on fixing problems. BEST focuses on building relationships. This philosophy comes before everything else — the whole program is built on it.

  • Students grow through trusted relationships.
  • Listening often helps more than advising.
  • Every scholar already possesses strengths.
  • Our role is to help students discover their own path — not prescribe one.
Inspired by the Friendship Bench. Great mentoring begins with listening. Rather than solving every problem immediately, our Pathway Guides create space for scholars to think, reflect, and discover their own solutions — asking thoughtful questions, listening deeply, and encouraging action.

The BEST Pathways Model

A holistic approach to college success

Three touchpoints and a foundation of financial support work together so Fellows build community and confidence, receive mentorship and career direction year-round, and stay on track to graduation.

01

Fellow Circles

Community & Peer Support

Two structured small-group sessions each year — one in fall, one in spring — where Fellows share challenges, build skills, and strengthen community.

  • A safe space to share and grow
  • Builds confidence and belonging
02

Pathway Guides

Mentorship & Guidance

Personalized support from volunteer Pathway Guides, each mentoring two Fellows through the year.

  • 1:2 Guide-to-Fellow ratio
  • Three conversations per semester
  • Academic and personal guidance
  • Help navigating college and careers
03

Career Summit & Networking

Career Exposure & Internships

Focused career conversations and an annual Pathways Summit that prepare Fellows for the working world.

  • Connections with career professionals
  • Annual Pathways Summit in May
  • Internships and job exploration
  • Resume, interview & networking help
04

Persistence Grants

Financial Support

Targeted financial support that reduces barriers and opens doors to opportunity for Fellows.

  • Helps reduce financial stress
  • Fosters a sense of stability
  • Supports retention and persistence

Target Impact

Fellows thrive

The measure of Pathways is not activity, but outcomes — scholars who persist, belong, and launch careers, then come back to lift the next cohort.

90%
College persistence — Fellows continue year to year toward graduation.
+15–20%
Stronger sense of belonging — more confidence, connection, and resilience.
80%
Career preparedness — participation in internships, career programs, or jobs.
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Lifelong community impact — Fellows graduate, succeed, and give back.

Pilot Program — 2026–2027

Starting with a focused cohort

Pathways launches as a pilot: a small cohort of Fellows, a dedicated group of Pathway Guides, and a clear plan to learn, evaluate, and scale.

10 Fellows 5–6 Pathway Guides 90% NJ-based

Pilot cohort: 4 freshmen · 1 sophomore · 3 juniors · 2 seniors — rooted in Trenton & Mercer County.

Program timeline

  • Fall & Spring

    Two Fellow Circles

    Small-group sessions that anchor the year in community and belonging.

  • Each Semester

    Three Guide conversations

    An initial video check-in, with additional check-ins by text or call as the relationship grows.

  • May

    Pathways Summit

    Career exposure and networking (tentative for the pilot year).

  • January 2027

    Mid-year scholar survey

    A check on how Fellows are doing and where to adjust.

  • June 2027

    End-of-year evaluation

    Measuring outcomes against the program's impact goals.

  • July 2027

    Pilot report & scale planning

    What we learned, and how Pathways grows from here.

Get Involved

Walk alongside a scholar.

Become a Pathway Guide, sponsor the program, or fund a Persistence Grant. It takes a community to turn potential into opportunity.

Become a Pathway Guide Support Pathways