What is Pathways?
WHO is a good candidate for Pathways?
If you are a junior in the Tamalpais Unified High School District who is looking for an alternative educational setting for your senior year that includes access to college coursework, as well as internships in the field of your interest, and you are self-motivated, able to work independently, and seeking to have more voice and choice over your learning, Pathways is the program for you. |
WHAT is Pathways?
- A program to provide an alternative experience for high school students to help them transition to college and prepare for life after high school, while also helping them finish their graduation requirements.
- A program to help students take ownership over their own learning while finding their passion.
- A program to help students develop a growth mindset.
WHY join Pathways?
To develop the following lifelong practices:
To develop the following lifelong practices:
- skills to balance the many responsibilities associated with being an independent adult
- job readiness
- professionalism
- executive functioning skills
- collaboration skills
- critical thinking
- effective communication skills
- a post-secondary plan
HOW does Pathways work?
Students will receive individualized support to reach success in all of their learning opportunities: a combination of high school coursework in Pathways, College of Marin classes, ROP (Regional Occupation Program) classes and placement in an internship.
COLLEGE
Pathways students
Students will receive individualized support to reach success in all of their learning opportunities: a combination of high school coursework in Pathways, College of Marin classes, ROP (Regional Occupation Program) classes and placement in an internship.
COLLEGE
Pathways students
- will take 2-3 college courses in fields of their interest
- will graduate with the tools to successfully navigate through the college experience
- will receive guidance from Pathways staff and College of Marin support staff
INTERNSHIP
Pathways students will gain real life experience in a field of their interest while participating in an internship 6-10 hours a week. Past internship opportunities have included:
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HIGH SCHOOL GRAD REQUIREMENTS
Pathways students will help design a personalized program to complete their remaining high school graduation requirements, which might include a combination of Pathways, COM, ROP, and/or a course at one of the high schools in the district (San Andreas, Tamiscal, Redwood, Drake or Tam)
Pathways students will help design a personalized program to complete their remaining high school graduation requirements, which might include a combination of Pathways, COM, ROP, and/or a course at one of the high schools in the district (San Andreas, Tamiscal, Redwood, Drake or Tam)
Check out sample schedules on the FAQ's page.
TESTIMONIALS
What have former students and parents had to say about the Pathways program?
"Pathways has been a game changer for our daughter. It has provided her the flexibility to focus on classes and internships that are within her chosen career path. She has gained independence, responsibility and learned the importance of time management while navigating the multi-faceted curriculum. I strongly believe that Pathways was highly instrumental in getting her accepted into the college of her choice. I am very confident that she is well prepared for college in the Fall and and very thankful to the Pathways program for the preparation it has provided her on her academic and career journey."
-Thomas Judd, parent My experience with Pathways was eye opening to what's lying ahead of me and now I'm prepared for it on my own an entire year ahead of time. It was so new, fun and exciting. I was constantly learning and finding out what I like and want to do for my future. The most useful aspect was how much the adults were on my side and were there to support me. As soon as I could do things on my own, they let me be responsible and be an adult. It was my favorite thing in school I've done. -Natalie Pathways has given me a taste of what life after high school has to offer and it also has taught me to be independent. -Angelica Pathways has been an invaluable experience for my daughter. She has learned time management (juggling core classes at Pathways, college courses at COM, science at Tam High, internships and playing a varsity sport). She has also learned how to navigate adult situations such as how to register for college classes, how to be in class with adults and how to dress for success and have business conversations at her internships. The internships have offered her a fantastic insight into the work world and are helping her hone in on her college career. Finally, Alyssa has been there for her 100% of the way offering guidance and support. She is a wonderful mentor and teacher. If you have a child who is independent and wants more than a traditional high school setting Pathways is the perfect fit. -Jane Gould, parent I became a high school dropout before I even started high school...I always knew I wanted to go to college, but I didn't know how to get my foot in the door. Thanks to this new program called Pathways and Candace, I've taken the first steps to where this path leads. And to think, I'm not just graduating, but I've completed five medical assisting classes at College of Marin. -Makayla I feel that the program was very successful, motivated the students and their futures, and molded us into young adults who are ready to continue our journey in college after high school. Pathways changed my high school experience for the better. I got to work in my most interested fields and work at school with my favorite teachers. I got really close with all the Pathways students; we're like one big family. -Cassie Having the internship at a pre-school while taking Early Childhood Education classes was very useful because I was seeing in real-life what I was learning about in class. Everything was relevant and I felt like I really learned the information and it stuck. For someone that wants to test out of college, get a head-start on their career, or just have more freedom while still earning [high school] credit, it's great. -Milly I proved to myself that I can succeed at the college level. I benefited from the flexibility and independence it offered me. It was nice to get out of the regular school environment, which made me think about real life more and what it is to be an adult. I got a lot out of my internship, and will continue with it until I leave the country in September. -August |
In Pathways, I was able to take classes in subjects I was passionate about. I learned so much in the classes and about myself. I learned that if I put my mind towards my work, I would succeed. -Mallory As a parent of a daughter who participates in the Pathways program currently; I want to communicate to any prospective parents and their teens that this program has been one of the best educational experiences, as a family, that we have ever had! My daughter has always been an independent learner, and although in some classrooms she has thrived, the traditional school setting has not always been optimal for her. Discovering Tamiscal in her Junior Year and the opportunity to be in Pathways during her Senior year has been an overwhelmingly positive and inspiring experience in a number of ways. Firstly, having the freedom to explore her interests through her internships, and also taking classes at COM, have provided her with needed, valuable information as she transitions into the four-year college atmosphere. She has learned so much about what her strengths are, what she is really interested in as a career and also (maybe most importantly) what kinds of subjects and work environments she is not interested in. I feel my daughter is infinitely more ready for college than she was a year ago and she has enjoyed her time in Pathways very much. We have just selected the college she will be attending this fall and I feel so lucky and thankful that she has been able to participate in Pathways this past year. -Anna Eriksson-Marty, parent An update on Millie's progress at COM. She had a great first year. In the fall, she had a 3.83 GPA and was on the Honor List. In the spring, she received a scholarship from the Dance Department and she's getting straight A's. I don't believe she would be this successful if she hadn't joined Pathways. She was at a crossroads at Drake, losing her self-esteem as a student, but the support and belief in her that she received at Pathways gave her the confidence to keep going. Just wanted you to know what a positive impact you and your colleagues have on your students. -Gina Pathways gave Hallie the opportunity to move forward with her future professional and educational goals, allowing for the hands on experience so vital for validation of her chosen path. The college experience at COM effected a sense of confidence and independence essential for success as she launches into the world. Alyssa's encouraging and supportive guidance created a sense of safety; Hallie knew someone other than her parents supported and would always advocate or advise her when needed. Alyssa's general and specific knowledge of the college process is invaluable; her teaching style, professionalism and expertise in the curriculum she teaches engaged Hallie, especially real life economics - not the most fun subject. I am confident Hallie will stay in touch with Alyssa for years to come. Honestly, the social part proved challenging, due to lack of direct proximity. With friends at her home school busy with applications and extracurricular activities created a scheduling issue; teenagers and planning ahead for social time just doesn't happen. Overall, Pathways worked well for our daughter. -Val Fox, parent Before Pathways, I thought of going to college for a few years and that was all. Now I'm looking into a career, something will make me successful in life. -Henry My experience with Pathways was amazing. I learned so much about school and myself and would recommend it to anyone. The fact that we can take college classes while finishing up high school was genius. It made a huge difference in my life for the better. -Gabe My favorite thing about the Pathways program was the freedom and sense of responsibility. -Chris I am grateful to have these great opportunities that helped me with my career. I know that I am ready to go on with my career after I graduate high school...Being in the Pathways program really helped me achieve my dreams and goals...I feel as if we get a head start on what we would like to achieve in life being here. -Lilyette I matured so much this year, I now don't take important stuff for granted and I take advantage of every opportunity. I recommend Pathways to the juniors and seniors that really want to step up and take a step forward into their future. -Rosa |