Professors and Pathways
Lighting the Way to Academic Success
and Financial Achievement
As of Fall 2024, the program is on hiatus as we work on other Three Rivers Language Center projects.
What is Professors & Pathways (P&P)?
Professors & Pathways (P&P) is a college success program that equips high school students (14-17 years old) and adult learners (18 years and older) with 1) academic literacy skills expected in colleges/universities, 2) financial knowledge and preparation, and 3) an understanding of the culture of higher education so that they can successfully obtain a Bachelor's degree:
We set you up for success. P&P simulates and prepares you for the college experience by providing you an opportunity to experience a college course that has been modified to meet the learning needs of high schoolers and pre-college individuals. As professors, we have seen many college students succeed and fail during their freshman year. We will guide you toward success before you officially become a college student.
We want you to feel at home on a college campus. The faculty/professors mentor you on how to participate in university culture and meet the academic and social expectations of a college classroom.
We want to help lessen your worries about finances. We provide consistent assistance in the areas of financial literacy, financial aid, and scholarship search.
We want you to know everyone cares and is involved in your education. The professors collaborate with parents, guardians, and your other mentors to help them understand the financial and cultural demands of higher education.
What do students do in the Professors & Pathways (P&P) program?
In 2023-24, there are 2 main components of our programming:
- A series of college success classes led by university professors on campus (10 sessions)
- Financial literacy workshops (2 sessions)
Students who are accepted to P&P are required to attend the weekly college success classes on Thursday evenings at Purdue Fort Wayne and the financial literacy workshops. Sessions will take place from late August to November.
Fall 2023 |
Spring 2024 |
Summer 2024 |
|
High school class: 4:30-6 PM on Thursdays (10 sessions) Adult class: 6:15-7:15 PM on Thursdays (10 sessions) 2 Financial literacy workshops in September and October on a Saturday: 11 AM - 12:30 PM |
5 students will receive a scholarship based on their performance in the fall semester and will be able to enroll in 1 college course at PFW. These 5 students will receive small group mentorship to ensure they pass their college course. *Consult with the P&P team if you are interested in learning about for-credit college courses. |
P&P does not provide summer programming because we encourage students to explore and participate in existing summer camps around the nation, including the ones at Purdue Fort Wayne. See our list of youth programs on campus. |
Who can participate in P&P?
- High school students - 9th to 12th grade students (ages 14 to 17 years old)
- Adults who are interested in learning about college and/or adults who are planning to attend college in the future (18 years old and up)
Ideal students are those who...
- Demonstrate a weekly commitment to attending the Thursday class sessions.
- Have a positive mindset and attitude toward learning.
- Desire to expand one's skills and learn from university professors.
- Want to be part of a positive and supportive community of professors and students.
- Are not overcommitted to too many activities! Dedicate your efforts toward your schooling and 1-3 extracurricular activities only.
- If you are admitted to P&P, we expect that you will prioritize P&P.
How does P&P differ from other college preparatory programs? How does P&P complement existing programs?
It is important to remember that P&P complements other college preparatory programs. This means that if a student is already part of a college preparatory program, he/she can still participate in P&P. However, participation in P&P requires students to be able to uphold their commitment to the Thursday classes and financial literacy workshops.
Here is a chart that summarizes how P&P compares with existing college prep programs:
Many College and Career Readiness Programs |
Professors & PathwaysA College Success Program |
|
Students tend to be from a select group of high schools and are first generation college students. |
Students from all backgrounds and schooling experiences (public, private, or homeschool) are welcome. High school students and adults are eligible to be part of the program. |
|
Summer Academy/camp (typically 3-8 weeks) |
---- |
|
Weekly tutoring in core subjects, such as English, Math, Social Studies, and Science |
College success classes taught by university faculty |
|
Monthly or bi-weekly cultural events and excursions |
Cultural events on campus |
|
College visits |
Programming on Purdue Fort Wayne's campus |
|
FAFSA nights offered at various points/year |
Monthly financial literacy workshops for students and parents plus assistance with FAFSA |
| ---- | Early access to Purdue FW's resources and mentorship from PFW faculty |
|
Career exploration opportunities |
Career exploration opportunities & career services are available on campus |
How much does P&P cost?
If you are accepted into the program, there is no fee that you need to pay to join the P&P college success classes and financial literacy workshops. You would only pay tuition if you would like to enroll in a PFW course for-credit.
What are the financial literacy workshops?
These workshops are open to students, parents/guardians, and educators. The Office of Financial Aid will conduct the workshops and cover topics, such as the basics of personal finance, scholarships, loans, how to understand financial aid packages, and assist in FAFSA applications. Workshops take place on campus.
What are the benefits of completing P&P?
1) Early admission to Purdue University Fort Wayne and the application fee will be waived. Participants who successfully complete the P&P classes and receive a recommendation from the faculty are eligible to receive early admission to PFW.
2) Financial preparation: You will gain knowledge about FAFSA, loans, grants, scholarship essay writing, how to understand financial aid packages, among other topics. You will also receive assistance in filing your FAFSA.
3) Potential to earn a scholarship to take a college course: In spring 2024, 5 scholarships will be provided to 5 students to take 1 college course at PFW (equivalent to $1,000 for each student). Talk to the P&P program team to learn how you might qualify for the scholarship.
4) More informed decision: You will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with how college works before you become a college student and/or decide to take a different pathway. We know that college is not the best path for everyone. By participating in P&P, you will be able to make a more informed decision about your options after high school and receive mentorship from professors.
How do I join the program?
Submit your application by August 13, 2023: Professors and Pathways Registration Form
Orientation will take place on August 24, 5:30-6:30 PM. Specific details will be sent to your email.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact our team. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @purduefwresearch
Program Team
Mary Encabo Bischoff, Professors & Pathways Director, [email protected]
Theingi Tin, Program Associate (Burmese), [email protected]
Soila Pacheco, Program Associate (Spanish), [email protected]
Faculty Mentors
P&P students have the privilege of meeting various faculty members across campus. Here are a few of our recent faculty mentors:
- Dr. Shannon Bischoff, Professor of Linguistics
- Professor Curtis Crisler, Professor of English
- Dr. Damian Fleming, Associate Professor of English
- Dr. Zafar Nazarov, Associate Professor of Economics
- Dr. Sarah Sandman, Senior Lecturer
- Dr. Kate White, Associate Professor of English
Financial Team
Juliana Bengs, Financial Aid Support Specialist, [email protected]
Laura Zeigler, Assistant Director Enrollment Management and University Scholarship, [email protected]