CFES Brilliant Pathways

Huge Thank You to CFES Brilliant Pathways and the University of Vermont for hosting our Schenectady HS boys on an amazing two-day college tour! We’re grateful for the chance to explore UVM and learn more about the inspiring Young Men of Talent program. Thank you for investing in our students’ futures! Schenectady City School District https://lnkd.in/eUJj4VGU #CollegeBound #YoungMenOfTalent #SchenectadyProud #CFES #UVM

Opening doors to college and career success! Last week, 30 students from Boquet Valley and Moriah High Schools had the incredible opportunity to explore SUNY Adirondack during a College Explore Day! Brilliant Pathways believes in the power of exposure—helping students see themselves in college and career pathways. This event gave students a firsthand look at SUNY Adirondack’s programs through hands-on, immersive workshops in exciting fields: ?? Mechatronics – Robotics, motion systems, CAD, and programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). ?? Computer Science – Designing efficient ways to process, store, and communicate information. ?? New Media – Exploring graphic arts, animation, photography, video editing, and 3D fabrication. ?? Broadcast Media – Hands-on experience in a television studio and control room for careers in media production. ?? Cybersecurity – Learning how to detect and mitigate network vulnerabilities with cutting-edge security techniques. "Students were engaged and eager to learn," said Tess Pe?a, CFES College Success & Career Readiness Coordinator. "Many shared that the toughest part of the day was choosing just two workshops!" By connecting students to college experiences, Brilliant Pathways helps them build the skills, confidence, and aspirations needed for future success. A huge thank you to SUNY Adirondack for hosting this inspiring day!

Eximius Scholars Explore Marist University! Last week, Eximius College Preparatory Academy Scholars had the incredible opportunity to tour Marist, and it was an experience they won’t forget! From engaging with faculty to exploring the campus, the visit provided valuable insights into college life and academic possibilities. We’re especially excited that a few Scholars are taking the next step by applying to Marist's Pre-College Summer Program this July! Programs like these provide invaluable exposure and preparation for their future academic and career journeys. We’re so proud of their ambition and can’t wait to see what’s next!

It was so rewarding to host an incredible group of high school students from BILA and Eximius last week for a Resume Editing Workshop in collaboration with CFES Brilliant Pathways. Students learned to evaluate resumes, and understand what makes a resume truly stand out. The overarching goal was to emphasize that every experience, no matter how small, holds value. We're incredibly excited for more upcoming workshops! A special shout-out to Manaya Colon for sharing her expertise and leading this session with such passion. We couldn’t have done it without Manny Tejeda Sumaya Nishat Ella Hunt and Jelenny Baez thank you all for your invaluable support! A heartfelt thank you to Jin Lee CFES board member and Co-CEO of TransPerfect, as well as Amanda Ryan for giving Talent A the opportunity to foster this relationship with CFES and pay it forward. When we invest in young talent, we build the future. #TransPerfect #CFES #Payitforward #BuildingFutures

Great news for North Country students! Press Republican and CNHI report: “Ninety-eight percent of the more than 2,000 North Country teens in the Department of Education’s RPED, Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development, program for rural students expect to graduate high school, and three quarters of them plan to continue their education after high school, according to an annual evaluation of the program.” ?? Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e-xEHGTH At CFES Brilliant Pathways, we’ve been empowering students since 1991—helping 110,000 young people become college and career ready. And we’re just getting started! Our goal is to support another 100,000 students over the next decade. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d3SRhHc

Free and Low-Cost Pre-College Summer Programs - Spread the Word! Access to quality education and enrichment opportunities shouldn't be limited by financial barriers. That's why we're excited to share this infographic - a geographical map highlighting free and low-cost pre-college summer programs across the country! https://lnkd.in/gEsUA8Bb Let's continue to spread the word so more students and families can take advantage of these incredible opportunities!

Exciting results from RPED are in! CFES Brilliant Pathways’ Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development (RPED) program is in the second year of the three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, and recent results from the annual outside review show the success of the program. The RPED program focuses on rural students in the North Country, a generally underserved and often overlooked group. The essential goals of RPED are to increase college enrollment and graduation success rates for college-bound students, as well as prepare students for high-wage, in-demand jobs in the region if that path is chosen. The project’s strategies are grounded in CFES’ 10-Point College & Career Readiness Plan —outlining the steps tested over 30 years that have helped 100,000 low-income regional youth enter college, 74% of whom have attained degrees on time. RPED serves students in eight high-poverty, grade 9-12 rural schools in Northeastern New York. Perhaps the most exciting results? from the review show that more than 98% in the RPED program expect to earn their diplomas this spring, and three quarters of those will continue their education after graduating high school. In addition, the review’ survey of 547 rural students indicated teens were optimistic about their future education plans, and also were more interested in a four-year degree — 37% had plans to attend a four-year institution in 2023-24, an increase from 31% over the year before. North Country schools currently participating in the RPED program include Boquet Valley CSD, BRUSHTON-MOIRA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, General Brown Central School, LaFargeville, Madrid-Waddington Central School, NORTHEASTERN CLINTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, Northern Adirondack Middle/High School and Norwood-Norfolk School. You can find out more at https://lnkd.in/eeRDxT5w

Preparing Students for Success! CFES Brilliant Pathways recently had the pleasure of supporting NAC students as they participated in mock interviews with?our?staff and SUNY Plattsburgh representatives. These students gained valuable interview experience, received constructive feedback, and built confidence in their communication skills—key steps in preparing for college and careers! Following the interviews, students explored State University of New York at Plattsburgh on a tour led by current students, giving them an inside look at campus life, academics, and the opportunities that await them in higher education. A huge thank you to our partners at SUNY Plattsburgh for providing this enriching experience and helping students take meaningful steps toward their futures. Together, we are empowering the next generation of college and career-ready leaders!

CFES Brilliant Pathways’ Young Men of Talent (YMT) gathered on the night of February 20 at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, for an inspiring evening of networking, mentoring, and professional development. YMT Scholars, peer and career mentors engaged in discussions about available resources and worked on crafting their professional biographical statements—elevator pitches that will set them apart. YMT participants also received a tour of ECHO, where they learned about internship opportunities and got an exclusive sneak peek of the Lake Exhibit renovation—a behind-the-scenes look at the professional expertise required to maintain a 15,000-gallon aquarium featuring ECHO’s iconic lake sturgeon and other native fish. Leroy Nesbitt, CFES program director traveled up from Washington, D.C. to lead a discussion on Securing and Succeeding– Internships and Professional Opportunities.? Nesbitt urged YMT scholars to build their support networks: “Share your success and share your challenges with them.” From career guidance to hands-on learning, the night was filled with inspiration, connections, and new possibilities. Events like these highlight the power of mentorship and exposure to unique career pathways. A huge thank you to all participants—your ambition, curiosity, and dedication are what make YMT such a transformative program!

Early this month, several teams from Crown Point Central School (CPCS) received invaluable coaching from CFES Brilliant Pathways to help them prepare their entries for the Vermont Pitch Challenge, a global competition designed to inspire young entrepreneurs to develop innovative business ideas. The challenge offers participants the chance to win cash prizes or even a full scholarship to the University of Vermont (UVM). CFES partnered with UVM to create the Pitch Challenge, recognizing the importance of fostering entrepreneurial skills among students. “We need to support our students in developing entrepreneurial skills and exposure,” said Rick Dalton, Co-CEO of CFES. Students’ proposals—whether for businesses or nonprofits—must demonstrate demand for their product or service, outline potential funding sources, and prove long-term sustainability. Judges will also reward projects that have a positive societal impact. Business leaders Lee Maxey and Neely Fortune helped students gain valuable insights on how to craft compelling presentations. Those selected as finalists will have the opportunity to present their projects to UVM student-judges. Last year, a Ticonderoga student was among the five finalists invited to UVM to showcase her idea. The students presented unique and innovative concepts, ranging from a Pet Rescue Squad assisting families whose pets have been displaced by fires or natural disasters, to a stethoscope for the hearing impaired, or a digital basketball backboard that enhances player performance. Some are for-profit concepts and some are aimed at a societal good. Vermont Pitch Challenge project submissions were due February 15, with the ultimate pitch event scheduled for April 10. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/e-FGveJM