Rural New York Students Given 'Brilliant Pathways'

In New York’s northernmost region, students who are part of CFES Brilliant Pathways GEAR UP are preparing to graduate from high school after six years with the program. Over 2,400 students receive an average of 12 hours per year of personalized college and career coaching from near-peer staff members. Rowan Arquette is one of these College and Career Readiness Fellows who supports students directly. “It’s been super rewarding,” he said. “I like to see [students] thrive and soar.”

In addition, CFES GEAR UP also exposes students to innovative technologies that are useful in careers that are based on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “Many of today’s careers that didn’t exist a decade ago are in the STEM fields,” said Ron Rix, the CFES GEAR UP Director. To learn about these jobs, students visit cutting-edge companies to participate in hands-on activities like setting up a broadcast studio or using lasers and 3D printers.