BU – Planning & Advising for Transitions to Higher Education (PATH)

Providing resources and support to streamline the college enrollment process.

Planning & Advising for Transitions to Higher Education (PATH) is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to access and complete higher education. They place intensively trained, recent college graduates as full-time Advisers in high schools. These Advisers help students navigate the complex process of college admission, matriculation, and accessing financial aid.

The college enrollment process can be complicated, especially for first-generation college seekers or those from low-wealth backgrounds. GreenLight found that under-resourced schools in Boston with few counselors were leaving students and families struggling to navigate the process and selected CAC to address this challenge.

Through their dual approach, BU-PATH positively impacts both the mentored high schoolers and the near-peer Advisors, bringing equity to college access and higher education. Seniors working with Advisors submit more college applications and FAFSAs, and are more likely to successfully matriculate. Simultaneously, Advisors acquire valuable professional skills that can pave the way for future careers in teaching and advising.

Housed at Boston University, BU-PATH is present in 26 high schools across Boston, Malden, and Somerville, and works closely with school administrators and staff to foster a college-going culture within schools.