The Pathways Program provides an opportunity for young people to explore exciting career avenues with peers through a series of group convenings, in-person workshops, and field-based career explorations. Throughout the program, participants are guided to better understand their own strengths and interests and to craft personalized learning pathways that are unique to their passions and skillsets.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Are high school graduates who are unsure what they want to do for a career
• Candidates could be working full or part-time, not working, in post-secondary education, or other training programs, or exploring gig-based work or entrepreneurship.

• You are interested in exploring different future directions for your career
• You are trying to better understand your strengths and interests, and how to articulate them
• You are looking to broaden your network of peers and professionals

• Two-day opening convening (~9:30am to 4pm on both days)

• Online and in-person workshops

• Field-based career explorations
• Two-day closing convening (~9:30am to 4pm on both days)

This fast-paced program has been designed to equip early career individuals with the following: 

• Ability to understand and articulate their strengths and their interests
• Ability to realize their strengths within tasks or work they are doing
• Exposure to multiple career pathways and the people and places they can tap into to move forward in any pathways that inspired them
• Tools for designing and acting on exploratory pathways that may lead to future growth opportunities

Areas of Focus

• Gallup CliftonStrengths Training
• Career pathways exposure
• Communication and presentation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Goal setting and activation

A completed application consists of the online application and a 15-30 minute phone interview.

Please allow ample time for the following steps:

• Complete the online application. Applications must be submitted by Monday, June 30th 2025. 
• Attend an informational interview facilitated by an LRI staff member. After we receive your completed online application, we will reach out to schedule your interview. Interviews are 15-30 minutes long and will be conducted via phone. 

The Pathways Program is tuition-free due to the support of several sponsors. That said, cost per participant is estimated at $2,500. Please make sure when applying that, should you be selected, you will be able to fully commit to the program. We will likely have a waiting list and would want to allow another individual to participate if you are unsure if you can commit to the program.

A committee made up of LRI staff and alumni will select the cohort. The Pathways Program is meant for high school graduates who may or may not be employed (full or part-time) and/or in college or another training program. We are seeking candidates that are unsure which direction they would like to go in their career, but are ready to engage fully in better understanding their strengths and interests. We are looking for evidence that the applicant will commit to the program and participate in all required activities.

Pathways Program Expectations & Session Dates
The Pathways Program is a fast-paced experience, which will require active participation and engagement during sessions and activities. Applicants must commit to full attendance at BOTH two-day retreats, and at least 6 (six) additional experiences, including online workshops, workplace site visits, and other career oriented events. There will be several different types of experiences offered and at different times to meet participants’ different scheduling needs and interests. 

Opening Convening
Thursday, August 21st – Friday, August 22nd (9am to 4pm on both days)
Strengths based workshops and activities to help participants build self confidence and articulation of their interests and talents.

Guided Pathways Exploration
Monday, August 25th – Monday, October 6th
Multiple events and workshops; participants work with LRI staff to attend the opportunities that match their interests and schedule. Participants must choose at least 6 (six) experiences. There will be several different types of experiences offered and at different times to meet participants’ different scheduling needs and interests. LRI staff will help participants chart a pathway that makes sense for the participants’ individual interests and goals. 

Closing Convening
Wednesday, October 8th – Thursday, October 9th (9am to 4pm on both days)
Strengths based workshops and activities to help participants design career focused learning pathways and meet with LRI alumni to broaden their network

*Times (not dates) for the summits might change slightly, depending on programming.