Pathways Program — Inaugural Year 2025–2026

Inaugural session

Our inaugural Saturday Academy launched with a warm welcome from TCC, setting the tone for a year of growth. Scholars dove into goal-setting, financial thinking, and a conversation on healthy boundaries — all before their first full lunch together as a cohort.

Scholars sharpened two essential academic skills — public speaking with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and college-level writing with the Muse Writing Center — then took a field trip to Nauticus, Norfolk’s maritime science and technology museum.

Richmond trip

An unforgettable day in Richmond. Scholars toured Children’s Hospital, meeting nurses, doctors, and staff who shared their career journeys. In the afternoon, they experienced the VMFA’s landmark “Giants” exhibition — curated by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.

A two-stop day blending learning, giving, and celebration. Scholars participated in a hands-on culinary workshop at Foodies Market, then completed a Holiday Service Project at MacArthur Center — ending with our annual holiday party and special gifts for every scholar.

Returning to TCC for the new year, scholars engaged in workshops on agriculture, financial literacy, and social-emotional wellness — featuring a guest speaker from Mill Swamp Indian Horses and a banking session with Langley Federal Credit Union.

Scholars spent the morning at Brightpoint learning about Great Expectations, financial aid, and postsecondary pathways. A student ambassador panel brought real perspectives on college life. The afternoon included a virtual guest speaker from Microsoft and a Chill & Spill session with Samaritan House.

Field experience

Scholars began the morning at one of the East Coast’s busiest ports — watching container cranes operate remotely, touring a MIRT safety vehicle, and hearing from industry professionals in maritime trade and logistics. In the afternoon, they traveled to Smithfield to visit Mill Swamp Indian Horses and explore the cultural history of Virginia’s Colonial Spanish horse herd.

Scholars spent the day at ODU exploring college life firsthand. The day included a VCIC workshop, a full campus tour, a student panel discussion, and Pathways programming — wrapping up with a closing celebration and giveaways.

Coming up

Celebration & Senior Recognition

May 30, 2026  ·  Blocker Family YMCA
Honoring our scholars and celebrating an extraordinary inaugural year of Pathways programming.

Individualized Monthly Support

In addition to group Saturday Academy sessions, every Pathways scholar receives individualized tutoring and coaching each month to support academic progress and planning for life after high school.

Pathways Program — Summer 2026

Scholars kick off Dorm Days with nearly two weeks living on the Virginia Wesleyan University campus — establishing routines, building relationships, and developing the academic and personal skills that form the foundation for college success. Program staff and mentors guide scholars through a structured, supportive environment that mirrors what college life will look and feel like.

Building on the foundation established at Virginia Wesleyan, scholars travel to New York for an out-of-state college immersion unlike anything most have experienced before. Based at Hofstra University, scholars venture into New York City to visit colleges, explore new industries and cultural environments, and practice independence through supervised travel — expanding their sense of what the world holds for them.

The bigger picture

Confidence, Independence & Vision

Dorm Days is more than a summer program — it is a turning point. Scholars leave with a clearer sense of who they are, what they are capable of, and where they are headed. They return home having lived on two university campuses, explored a major American city, and built friendships with peers who understand their journey.