Pathways Forward is a hybrid afterschool program serving 7th through 12th grade students in Washington, DC, designed to increase high school graduation rates and prepare youth for college or technical training programs. The program combines academic support, mentoring, life skills, and postsecondary planning to help students stay on track and build bright futures.
100% of our Pathways Forward Program Scholars graduate high school
Graduation, COLLEGE/Post-Secondary PRograms, and CAreer Readiness
The Pathways Forward: High School Success program has two distinct cohorts:
1. Junior Pathways: (7th-9th) Students at risk of academic failure or disengagement. Activities include:
- Academic tutoring & project/assignment support;
- High School exploration & goal setting;
- Project based learning through (S.T.E.A.M & field experiences); and
- Positive youth development
2. Senior Pathways: (10th-12th) Students needing support to graduate and transition into postsecondary programs. Activities include:
- Study halls & project/assignment support;
- Graduation coaching;
- College & technical programs exploration;
- FAFSA & scholarship assistance; and
- Post-graduation planning (coaching, FLOC scholarships)
The Pathways Forward program is offered in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person tutoring and enrichment, and positive virtual mentorship, alongside academic and career workshops. Students attend three to four days per week, after school (with optional Saturday sessions).
Project Based Learning
In the Pathways Forward program’s project-based workshops, students explore the intersections of STEM and the Arts as they related to a broader annual theme. Throughout the program, students explore ways to positively impact their neighborhood and community while working towards completing a capstone project.
Students earn community service hours and acquire the skills necessary to become leaders in their neighborhoods and communities. Professional coaches lead students in projects that are designed for students to engage both their peers and community. These projects often take advantage of FLOC’s connections with local universities, cultural institutions, businesses, and other organizations, and open young minds to the wider world around them.
The Fred Taylor Scholarship Fund
The Fred Taylor Scholarship Fund, a For Love of Children endowment, was created to support economically disadvantaged youth on the path to successful completion of a postsecondary education.
The fund was created to honor FLOC’s founding director, Fred Taylor, who recognized the transformative power of education to break the cycle of poverty. Fred envisioned a community in which every young person is empowered to discover and nurture unique talents; graduate from high school; earn a postsecondary degree; and thrive as contributing members of their communities.
FLOC has awarded more than $300,000 in higher education scholarships since 2000.
Postsecondary Scholars
Academic and career challenges do not end with high school, and neither do FLOC programs. Students enrolled in the College Coaching Postsecondary Program continue to receive support and guidance as they navigate their college or vocational school experience. FLOC supports postsecondary scholars with:
- Individualized Academic Guidance
- Professional Development Workshops
- Encouragement to join campus social activities and perform community service
- FLOC Alumni social gatherings
- Exam Care Packages
