Course Overview

Pathways to Learning and Possibility: An Introduction to College and Career Exploration is a four-week, online asynchronous course for high school students who want to explore their future with greater intention. Inspired by the liberal arts, the course creates space to reflect on identity, purpose, and direction while building a clearer understanding of personal strengths and values.

Through a mix of reflection and applied activities, you will consider how different areas of study can influence the way you understand yourself and the world around you. The course invites curiosity, perspective, and thoughtful decision-making as you think about college pathways, academic interests, and what comes next.

Because the course is asynchronous, you can complete the work at your own pace each week. By the end, you will have new tools for thinking about your transition from high school and a stronger foundation for approaching your next steps with confidence.

Course outline

The Pathways to Learning and Possibility course includes four modules:

• Week 1: Introduction to the Course and Self-Discovery: You’ll begin by reflecting on what matters to you and what you hope to learn from the course. This week introduces self-awareness as a starting point for making intentional choices.
• Week 2: Exploring the Liberal Arts and Academic Interests: This week introduces the liberal arts as a way of thinking and learning that can broaden your perspective. You’ll explore how different disciplines can open up new ways of understanding ideas, people, and experiences.
• Week 3: College, Career, and Decision-Making: You’ll examine college pathways, areas of academic interest, and how different majors can fit with long-term plans. This week also offers strategies for making thoughtful decisions as you consider your options.
• Week 4: Looking Ahead and Building a Personal Pathway: In the final week, you’ll bring together what you’ve learned and begin shaping a plan that reflects your goals and interests. The focus is on moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Each weekly module includes short readings or videos, guided reflection, and opportunities to apply ideas in ways that feel relevant to your own experiences. The course is designed to be flexible and manageable, with each week building on the one before it. By the end of the course, you’ll have a stronger sense of your options and a clearer picture of the path ahead. 

Dates

The 2027 Pathways to Learning and Possibility course runs from February 1-26, 2027.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Pathways to Learning and Possibility course, individuals should:

• Be a current high school student.
• Be at least 13 years of age by February 1, 2027.
• Have a minimum 3.5 weighted cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale.

International applicants for whom English is a second language should provide documentation of their ability to complete coursework in English by providing an official TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo, or GATEWAY score report. Additional guidelines for international applicants are available here.

Enrollment & Fees

We will begin accepting registration requests on November 2, 2026. Individuals interested in enrolling should submit a registration form, copy of their transcript, and signed parent/guardian liability waiver and release. A 250-word response to the prompt "What are you curious about, and how do you hope this course will help you explore your interests, strengths, or future goals?" is required. 

Registration requests are reviewed on a rolling basis until the course fills or the application deadline of January 11, 2027. Space is limited, so we encourage you not to wait until the deadline to submit registration request materials.

There is no fee to enroll in the Pathways to Learning and Possibility course. You will need access to a computer and Wi-Fi to participate in the course.

Digital Badge

You will earn a digital badge upon successful completion of the course. This badge recognizes your engagement with the course and the learning you demonstrate as you explore your interests, strengths, values, and future pathways through the liberal arts. It can be shared on resumes, academic profiles, and digital platforms as a record of your accomplishment.

To earn the badge, you will need to:

• Complete all required weekly modules (approximately 5 hours per week)
• Submit the final culminating reflection assignment
• Demonstrate consistent effort and engagement throughout the course