Being Smart Is Awesome!

In elementary school, I thought being smart was a curse. The other kids gave me shade, made fun of me, and called me names. Even some of my friends didn’t get why I liked learning and wanted something better for myself. Since going through Pathfinder, I feel great about being smart and wanting to learn.
Pathfinder is a fun, challenging after-school & summer program that prepares kids like you and me— high-achieving 5th–8th graders from families without a lot of money— to dream, learn, and succeed.

Program Details

4 Year Program Commitment:  4 Summers + after school

Click below to learn more:

  • “Through Pathfinder, kids become more grounded in their dreams and have a clearer vision of how they want to go about achieving those dreams.”

    ~ Pete Butler, Community Dean, Elm City College Prep

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  • “Pathfinder changed the way I interact with people. I was real shy before. After going to Pathfinder and feeling comfortable with my abilities, I started to blossom and think of myself as smart.”

    ~ Darrell, Pathfinder alumnus, student at Cheshire Academy

  • “I saw the lightbulb go on the first day my son was there and surrounded by all those folks.”

    ~ Darrell Draughn, parent

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  • “If you have the chance to change, do it.”

    ~ J’Nisha, Pathfinder Alumna, student at Lafayette College

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  • “Pathfinder gave me my lifelong friends.”

    ~ Matt, Pathfinder alumnus, student at Harvard 

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  • “People think Middle School’s not important, but what you do now really sets you up for how your life’s going to be.”

    ~ J’Nisha, Pathfinder Alumna, student at Lafayette College

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  • “Teaching at Pathfinder gave me happiness.”

    ~ Matt, Pathfinder alumnus, student at Harvard

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  • “It definitely was the switch that turned my life into one of academic rigor.”

    ~ Matt, Pathfinder alumnus, student at Harvard

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  • “Even though it was a very rigorous program, they also had fun. My son actually looked forward to going.”

    ~ Doreen Spence, parent

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  • “Every kid who attends is a success story!”

    ~ Pete Butler, Community Dean, Elm City College Prep

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  • “It helped me interact with my teachers, ask for more help, or ask for more work if I needed it.”

    ~Maria, Pathfinder Alumna, student at Albertus Magnus College

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  • “Pathfinder changes lives, without a doubt.”

     ~ Darrell Draughn, parent

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  • “It makes me feel wonderful that they have more options available to them and more doors open.”

    ~ Angelina Dusa, Counselor, John S. Martinez School

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  • “Pathfinder became a match made in heaven for my son. Not only did he excel, but all these different prep schools wanted him. I’m all excited because now my son is getting ready to graduate from Princeton.”

    ~ Odell Cohens, parent

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  • “It helped him develop personally. He wanted to give back more because of what he received through Pathfinder, so he volunteered throughout his freshman and sophomore year.”

    ~ Doreen Spence, parent

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  • “Pathfinder showed me we can combine academics with fun.”

    ~ Maria, Pathfinder Alumna, student at Albertus Magnus College

  • “What drives me is the joy of seeing young people exposed to a rigorous learning environment.”

    ~ Julie Greenwood, New Haven Squash

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  • “These are the kids that will truly help to change this world.”

    ~ Pete Butler, Community Dean, Elm City College Prep

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  • “Locally, it’s among the best free academic programs available.”

    ~ Julie Greenwood, New Haven Squash

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  • “It’s been incredible seeing that transformation of students who started the program in 7th grade and now are in high school.”

    ~ Sarah Crilley, Director of Graduate Support, St. Martin DePores Academy

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  • “Pathfinder is an enrichment experience that your child truly deserves.”

    ~ Pete Butler, Community Dean, Elm City College Prep

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