Pathways, Inc
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Mission Statement
Pathways exists to provide a supportive educational environment for adult learners from the greater Lynn area; provide opportunities for non-native English speakers to learn English and improve their English language arts and math skills; encourage students to explore a variety of career pathways available in the regional labor market; develop employment, career and/or college readiness skills; and successfully make the transition to better jobs or postsecondary education, training and credentials. We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in immigrant and low income families and building community and lifelong learning in Lynn.
About This Cause
When you walk through our doors at 10:45AM on a weekday, you hear the hub-bub of our students taking their morning break. Over a student-directed healthy-snack bar you see faces from Nigeria, Ecuador, Iraq and Salem. Snippets of conversation about family, customs, hardship and success float by as our community takes a much deserved break from their classroom learning. Fifteen minutes later, the halls are quiet, students are back in their seats learning English grammar, math skills, the history of scientific discovery and skills necessary for success in the U.S labor market. Pathways conducted a formal assessment of Lynn’s need and assets regarding adult education. Over the past ten years, Lynn has become a minority-majority city, with a population that is 12.8% black, 7% Asian, 32.1% of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 5% reporting two or more races. Foreign born residents account for 28.8% of the population. According to the 2010 U.S. Census Lynn has a population of 90,000 and: 32% of adults in Lynn have less than a high school diploma. 30% of adults in Lynn have limited English proficiency. 40% of Lynn households speak a language other than English. Median income in Lynn is $43,200, 40% below the state median income; and the fifth lowest in Massachusetts. 19.3% of Lynn residents live below the Federal Poverty Guideline, almost twice the state average; making it the fourth highest poverty level in the state. As a reflection, our growing population is (1) culturally diverse, (2) under-educated, (3) underemployed, (4) poor, (5) and, increasingly, foreign born, with limited English proficiency. Disturbingly, those least prepared for the emerging regional labor market also have the least access to opportunities for the education and skill building necessary to compete in that labor market. Thousands of adults in Lynn do not have the skills they need to earn a living wage and thousands of children are being raised in poverty or at the margins. With much of the focus today on K-12 and college education, the need for adult education and workforce development is largely overlooked. Based on the analysis of Lynn’s needs and assets, Pathways has targeted adults (16 years or older) who: are not currently enrolled in secondary school or college, who do not possess a high school diploma; or have a HS diploma from another country, and want to improve their basic academic skills; want to obtain a high school equivalency degree; or want to obtain postsecondary credentials. Pathways is focused on workforce education and training that prepares our students for career pathways earning a living wage. To serve this population, we currently offer: four levels of ESOL classes and three levels of ABE/GED classes; Citizenship classes; computer classes; English conversation classes; one-on-one tutoring; and a Distance Learning program. An integrated Technology, Work and Career Readiness skill building program is embedded in the curriculum. Teachers, advisors and a Career Development Coach all provide assistance with employment, education and career planning.