Pursuing Achievement Through Higher Education (PATH) Tucson is dedicated to shepherding all current and alumni students of Santa Cruz and St. John the Evangelist on the path to and through college and to heaven by accompanying them on their educational journeys through tracking, supporting, and coaching. We team with the schools to provide the tools our children need to develop strong character and strengthen their spirituality through each stage of their education in order to help enable their fullest flourishing.

We accomplish this through our four program elements over the course of 11 years:

• PATH Persistence Class
  Weekly courses for middle school scholars on developmentally appropriate hard and soft skills needed en route to higher education (ex. organizational skills, choosing the best fit high school, self-advocacy, etc.)
• PATH Rising Summer Experience
  Optional 3-summer commitment for rising 6th - 8th graders to experience dynamic academic enrichment, character formation, and college preparation with college students as their teachers
• ND SIP - Notre Dame Scholar Immersion Program
  A multi-night experience for participants who completed 3 years of PATH Rising Summer aimed to be a strengthening of community, deepening of knowledge, and an exposure to college contexts
• GPS - Graduate Persistence Support
  Counseling to help navigate the journey through high school and post-secondary education (ex. social-emotional counseling, choosing a best fit college, applying for financial aid, securing internships, etc.)

PATH Persistence Class

• "I have learned about how stuff works after we leave middle school...we don't learn about that in other classes."
• "I've learned...that every minute does count no matter what the situation is."

In the '20-'21 school year that was entirely virtual, middle school scholars in PATH Tucson report that they found great value in the course:

PATH Rising Summer Program - Middle School Impact

PATHfinder Testimonials

• "I feel like PATH helped me prepare for my future by gaining a little bit of confidence. [Now I know] that everything might not go your way or as you planned, but you'll still be able to learn, especially from your mistakes."
• "I wouldn't change anything because I feel it has helped me learn a lot and have fun at the same time."

PATH Rising Summer Program - Family Impact

Since our first summer, 99% of families have said they found PATH Summer to be valuable.

Parent Testimonials

• "My child loved the experience, love, and support he got from PATH; he did very well and came out of his shell."
• "My son enjoyed making new friends. We love the structure the teachers represented and how they teach."

PATH Rising Summer Program - Rising Student Teachers Impact

75% are teachers of color (compared to the national average of about 20%)

55% are considering a career in teaching more seriously after teaching with PATH

Rising Student Teacher Testimonials

• "PATH has broadened my perspective on education and teaching."
• "[PATH] tested some of my limits, but it also helped me learn more about myself."
• "I got my most intensive experience with teaching this summer with PATH, and it is safe to say that it is something that I really want to pursue going forward!"
• "I had a chance to stand in solidarity with the students I served. Day in and day out I had a chance to hear their story. It gave me a chance to love my students more."
• "I have a better sense of self-giving service -- both for students and teammates."

PATH Rising Summer Program - Professional Educator Impact

• "Being a part of PATH is a good reminder that no matter how experienced you are as a teacher, there are always areas to grow in and things we can learn."
• "It helped me broaden my perspective and enriched my knowledge in classroom management and lesson strategies."

Thank you for your interest in PATH Tucson! We'd love for you to get more involved in our mission! Volunteer inquiries and application questions can be sent via email to Ryan Costello.

Current Undergraduate Students

The application window for the Rising Teacher internship is open! Please reach out to Ryan Costello at rcostel1@nd.edu if you are interested.

Start Your Application

Current Licensed Teachers in Tucson

The Instructional Coach Residency application will open in 2025. Please reach out to Ryan Costello at rcostel1@nd.edu if you are interested.

5th Graders

The PATH Rising Summer application for Santa Cruz and St. John the Evangelist students will open in 2025. Please reach out to Ryan Costello at rcostel1@nd.edu if you are interested.

High School Students

The LIT (Leader in Training) as a high school student in Tucson application will open in 2025. Please reach out to Jessica Papariella at jpaparie@nd.edu if you are interested.

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 Make a donation and note "ACE PATH" in the Additional Details box.

Donate to PATH

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