Our Mission
United Way NCA’s Pathways to Opportunity program is designed to meet students where they are to equip them for their futures. Through hands-on STEM exploration, real-world interview preparation, and guided college-readiness coaching, we prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to envision their future. Whether a student is discovering a passion for science, preparing for their first interview, or navigating the college application process, our programs work to ensure no young person has to figure out their next steps alone.
College and Career Readiness
Pathway to College is designed to help demystify the process of applying to and affording a post-secondary education. We work with high school juniors and seniors to build the skills they need to meet their post-secondary goals.
Each session focuses on a distinct aspect of the college process, including college selection, financial aid, budgeting, professional presence, and campus life, with visits from guest speakers. Every student who completes the course is awarded a brand new laptop to support their post-secondary education.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews provide students with opportunities to develop and strengthen their interview skills in preparation for future academic and career pursuits. Through structured mock interview sessions, students practice responding to common interview questions, receive constructive feedback, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
These experiences are designed to ensure students feel prepared for their first formal interviews, whether it’s for internships, jobs, or other post-secondary opportunities. By focusing on communication, professionalism, and self-presentation, the program helps students build important skills needed for success beyond the classroom.
STEM in the Schoolyard
STEM in the Schoolyard promotes college and career readiness for middle school students in Community Schools supported by United Way NCA. Through hands-on learning at interactive STEM stations, students strengthen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills while exploring concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math.
This event introduces students to new and exciting areas of STEM, sparking curiosity and helping them discover potential academic and career interests. Volunteers play a key role as coaches, working one-on-one with students to build their knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm through guided activities.
How to Help
- Advocate for increased local government funding to expand Community Schools in our region.
- Donate to support our Community Schools programmatic work.
Our Mission
United Way NCA’s Pathways to Opportunity program is designed to meet students where they are to equip them for their futures. Through hands-on STEM exploration, real-world interview preparation, and guided college-readiness coaching, we prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to envision their future. Whether a student is discovering a passion for science, preparing for their first interview, or navigating the college application process, our programs work to ensure no young person has to figure out their next steps alone.
College and Career Readiness
Pathway to College is designed to help demystify the process of applying to and affording a post-secondary education. We work with high school juniors and seniors to build the skills they need to meet their post-secondary goals.
Each session focuses on a distinct aspect of the college process, including college selection, financial aid, budgeting, professional presence, and campus life, with visits from guest speakers. Every student who completes the course is awarded a brand new laptop to support their post-secondary education.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews provide students with opportunities to develop and strengthen their interview skills in preparation for future academic and career pursuits. Through structured mock interview sessions, students practice responding to common interview questions, receive constructive feedback, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
These experiences are designed to ensure students feel prepared for their first formal interviews, whether it’s for internships, jobs, or other post-secondary opportunities. By focusing on communication, professionalism, and self-presentation, the program helps students build important skills needed for success beyond the classroom.
STEM in the Schoolyard
STEM in the Schoolyard promotes college and career readiness for middle school students in Community Schools supported by United Way NCA. Through hands-on learning at interactive STEM stations, students strengthen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills while exploring concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math.
This event introduces students to new and exciting areas of STEM, sparking curiosity and helping them discover potential academic and career interests. Volunteers play a key role as coaches, working one-on-one with students to build their knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm through guided activities.
How to Help
- Advocate for increased local government funding to expand Community Schools in our region.
- Donate to support our Community Schools programmatic work.