Middle School Pathway

When students are introduced to Onward We Learn, there is a promise of at least a seven-year relationship, and more than that, there is a promise that they will not have to walk this journey alone. Our relationship with the student begins with our relationship to their families - trust in the beginning is critical. Once enrolled, students are matched with Onward school-based advisors, who will serve as a mentor, advisor, and resource during their entire middle-school. Students have access to afterschool programming, academic enrichment supports, and community-based opportunities to explore career and connection. Our programming and enrichment opportunities are developmentally appropriate. Students explore concepts of power, practice flexible thinking and problem solving, they develop a more global sense of where they fit, and they begin to wonder about what is possible. These years are designed to inspire our young people. We believe that from a foundation of what is possible comes the catalyst to prepare.

High School Pathway

Our students prepare for the key transition into high school in our signature Passageways program. This rite of passage is designed to support students navigate the transition, reconnect with Onward, and center their intentions and goals for the journey ahead. Once in high school, students are rematched with a Onward school-based advisor. The nature of the partnership between advisor and student shifts from focused primarily on relationship to one of accountability. Advisors work closely with students to position them as best as possible for college access. Students can take advantage of tutoring, SAT prep, FAFSA workshops, college application support, and one-on-one academic advising that encourages them to enroll in rigorous coursework. Afterschool programming is available and encouraged and again aligns with milestones such as abstract thinking, goal setting, and a strong sense of self. Students have the opportunity to deepen their commitment and involvement in Onward by participating in various leadership roles within the organization. These years are meant to give students a bedrock of preparedness, confidence, and self-worth.

Post-Secondary Pathway

When Onward students started their journey in middle school, college was merely an idea, which became more in focus throughout high school. When they cross the stage, diploma in hand, college represents a new beginning. For our students that are attending school in Rhode Island, Onward College Success Coaches are stationed on campus to help bridge the transition to post-secondary. Coaches are there to provide personalized services and programs that are tailored to support students design plans that meet their academic, social, and financial goals. Coaches ensure that students don’t miss opportunities, that they are connected to campus resources, and that should the need arise, help navigate transfer paperwork, or re-enrollment. Onward understands that even with a map, there are detours. Our students have access to an emergency fund that helps alleviate acute financial stress, and for students that need to step away or never make it to college, Onward connects them with our Gap Program. The Gap Program matches students with a coach who considers many variables in creating a plan with the student, whether that plan includes returning to college, or an alternative pathway. Our hope is that these years are filled with defining moments that propel students Onward into their lives.