The Pathways Impact Fund is offering a significant opportunity for regional organizations focused on improving student career paths. This initiative, supported by StriveTogether, aims to distribute $7.5 million to help these organizations build and expand systems that connect education, workforce development, and employers. The goal is to create “purposeful pathways” that equip young people with the skills and support needed for economic mobility and fulfilling careers.
What is the Pathways Impact Fund?
The Pathways Impact Fund is a national program designed to support regional efforts in creating better opportunities for students. It believes that every young person should have access to well-defined pathways that lead to meaningful careers and personal growth. By investing in organizations that coordinate these efforts, the fund seeks to create lasting change and improve outcomes for students across various communities.
Funding Details and Additional Support
The fund will provide grants ranging from $900,000 to $1.5 million per organization, distributed over three years. In total, $7.5 million will be awarded to selected regional intermediary organizations. This funding is intended to help these organizations grow and strengthen their core programs, ultimately increasing student participation and success.
Beyond financial support, grantees will benefit from:
- National Learning Network: Membership in a network of leaders focused on improving student pathways, allowing for shared learning and problem-solving.
- Tailored Support: Customized assistance to help organizations improve their strategies, overcome challenges, and maximize their impact.
- Community of Practice: A collaborative space for regional leaders to share insights, best practices, and innovative ideas.
- Capacity to Scale: The funding is specifically aimed at helping organizations expand access to their pathways programs and reach more students.
The Vision Behind Purposeful Pathways
Purposeful pathways are structured systems designed to help students move smoothly from education into careers and economic opportunities. The Pathways Impact Fund supports pathways that combine three key elements:
- Accelerated Coursework: Advanced learning opportunities that prepare students for higher education and the workforce.
- Career-Connected Learning: Experiences that link classroom knowledge with real-world careers and industries.
- High-Quality Advising: Personalized guidance to help students make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
These components work together to create a stronger connection between education and employment, fostering economic mobility for students.
Who Can Apply?
This funding is specifically for place-based regional or state intermediary organizations that lead pathway efforts in their communities. Eligible applicants must be directly connected to and accountable to the communities they serve. Examples of eligible organizations include nonprofit groups, regional collaboratives, public-private partnerships, workforce boards, and postsecondary institutions. Applicants must show they are actively bringing together partners from education, workforce, government, and employer sectors.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a Pathways Impact Fund grant, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Organizational Requirements: Operate as a regional or state intermediary, be place-based and community-embedded, and demonstrate accountability to local communities. National organizations that only support regions remotely are not eligible.
- Partnership Requirements: Actively bring together partners from K-12 education, postsecondary institutions, workforce organizations, employers, and government agencies.
- Governance Requirements: Possess formal governance documents, such as regional strategic plans, charters, or partnership agreements.
- Programmatic Requirements: Currently support all three core pathway components—accelerated coursework, career-connected learning, and high-quality advising—in partnership with K-12 school districts.
- Growth Requirements: Have a clear plan to expand access to pathways and reach more students within the three-year grant period.
Application Process
The application process involves two main phases:
- Phase One: Screener and Letter of Interest (LOI): Interested organizations must first complete an eligibility screener. Those who pass will gain access to the full Letter of Interest form. The deadline for this phase is July 10.
- Phase Two: Full Application (Invitation Only): Organizations selected after the LOI stage will be invited to submit a complete application. The deadline for this phase is August 28.
This opportunity is important for communities working to strengthen connections between education, workforce development, and economic prospects. The Pathways Impact Fund aims to support these regional leaders and help them expand their reach to serve more students effectively. Organizations committed to advancing purposeful pathways and increasing opportunities for students are encouraged to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pathways Impact Fund?
The Pathways Impact Fund is a national program offering $7.5 million in grants to regional organizations that help students connect education with workforce development and employers for better career paths.
How much funding is available per organization?
Selected regional intermediary organizations can receive grants ranging from $900,000 to $1.5 million, distributed over three years.
What are ‘purposeful pathways’?
Purposeful pathways are structured systems that combine accelerated coursework, career-connected learning, and high-quality advising to help students move from education to careers.
Who is eligible to apply for the fund?
Eligible applicants are place-based regional or state intermediary organizations that lead pathway efforts and are accountable to the communities they serve, involving partners from education, workforce, government, and employers.
