
The Pathways to College Network brings national organizations together to work collaboratively using research to improve the college readiness and success of underserved students.
Pathways promotes the use of research-based policies and practices, the development of new research that is both rigorous and actionable, and the alignment of efforts across K-12 and higher education to increase the numbers of underserved students attending and completing college.
The Pathways to College Network was founded in 2000 when 14 national organizations, six funders, and then US secretary of education Richard Riley signed a pledge to greatly increase the nation’s commitment and capacity to give all young people – not just those from advantaged backgrounds – a first-class postsecondary education. To accomplish this pledge, the partners in the Pathways' Network have pooled their expertise to compile research and identify exemplary policies, practices, and programs for making postsecondary education an attainable goal for everyone in our society. They also worked collectively to catalyze efforts among leaders in education, government, communities, and philanthropy to strengthen academic preparation and support, college planning information and access, financial aid, and college success for populations historically underserved in higher education.