Alliance for Catholic Education
PATH
📣 Application Information
Current 5th graders at St. John the Evangelist and/or Santa Cruz Catholic School are eligible to apply to join our PATH Rising Summer program. Rising Summer combines the best of summer camp and summer school, offering growth opportunities in math, reading, writing, & science as well as fun electives, field trips, skits, prayer services, and more!
Summer 2026 Application Timeline
Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
Admissions Decisions: March 6, 2026
PATH Rising Summer: June 8 - July 8, 2026
Our Mission
Pursuing Achievement Through Higher Education (PATH) is dedicated to shepherding all current and alumni students of Santa Cruz and St. John the Evangelist in the Diocese of Tucson on the path to and through college and to heaven. We do so by providing radical accompaniment, opportunity, and formation. 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.
Persistence Class
Rising Summer
ND Scholar Immersion Program
Graduate Persistence Support
Program Impact
Recent Outcomes
Teacher Pipeline Impact
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Get Involved
Thank you for your interest in PATH! We’re excited to invite you into the many ways you can be part of our mission whether as a participant (current 5th - college student), Rising Teacher (undergraduate students), or instructional coach. There are plenty of ways to engage in our mission. Learn more about these various opportunities below:
Overview
All students from Santa Cruz Catholic School and St. John the Evangelist benefit from weekly Persistence Class during the academic year, as well as mentorship from the PATH team. In addition, students can apply to participate in PATH Rising Summer, an optional three-summer commitment for rising 6th through 8th graders that provides opportunities for academic enrichment, spiritual & character formation, and college preparation. At the conclusion of a student's third summer, they are invited to participate in the ND Scholar Immersion Program (SIP). SIP is a multi-night experience for rising 9th graders aimed to be a strengthening of community, deepening of knowledge, and exposure to college contexts at the University of Notre Dame.
Application Timeline
The application for students interested in PATH Rising Summer is now closed. Please reach out to Ryan Costello (rcostel1@nd.edu to inquire about the waitlist or future opportunities.
Overview
Rising 10th through 12th graders are invited to return to PATH Rising Summer throughout their high school experience to serve as Leaders in Training (LIT). LITs serve as mentors for current PATHfinders while receiving additional leadership formation from Rising Teachers (undergraduate students).Â
Application Timeline
The LIT application for current 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students in Tucson is open from March 2 - 23, 2026.
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Overview
Rising Teachers are highly talented undergraduate students from all academic backgrounds who serve as the primary educators during Rising Summer with the mentorship of licensed professional educators as instructional coaches. Each day incorporates core academic class time, electives, skits, small groups, mealtimes with the students, physical activity, and opportunities for prayer. Rising Teachers spend two weeks training and preparing prior to the middle school PATHfinders’ arrival and two days wrapping up after the conclusion of Rising Summer.Â
Some Rising Teachers have the opportunity to work with high school students called LITs (Leaders in Training), facilitating leadership opportunities and workshops that hone academic skills and build community.
Application Timeline
The application for the Rising Teacher internship is closed. Please reach out to the PATH Team if you are interested.Â
Learn More   Request for More Information  Â
Overview
The Instructional Coach Residency and Deanship serve as professional opportunities for current licensed teachers in the Diocese of Tucson to grow as instructional leaders through mentorship and coaching of Rising Teachers (undergraduate students) entering into teaching for the first time. Instructional Coaches and Deans provide professional and pastoral support for Rising Teachers while ensuring a safe and productive learning environment for PATHfinders.Â
Application Timeline
The Instructional Coach Residency and Dean applications are open until March 9, 2026. Please apply below or reach out to Ryan Costello at rcostel1@nd.edu if you have questions
PATH would not be possible without the generous support of benefaction. To make a donation, please use the link below.
Important: Please indicate your gift should be made directly to PATH by note "ACE PATH" in the Additional Details textbox.
