Pathway to Purpose Fellowship

2 - Year Fellowship

The Pathway to Purpose Fellowship is a 2-year program for high school students, designed to prepare Arizona’s future leaders with the skills they need to make change in our state’s education system.

2 Academic Years

Program Duration

Entering Grades 9 - 11

Eligibility

Maricopa County

Location

Program Details

Explore

Year 1

Gain classroom experience in our after-school literacy programs
Grow your leadership by learning about civic engagement and completing a Student-Led Solutions project
Participate in mentorship and professional development opportunities with other high schoolers and our staff

Activate

Year 2

Step into a leadership role focusing on either education professions or civic leadership
Organize events and programming
Mentor and support 1st-year fellows

What is the Pathway to Purpose Fellowship?

Fellows will learn how to make a positive difference in the education system through in-classroom hours and civic engagement with educational policies and governing structures. As students move through the fellowship, they develop their skills and deepen their learning and practice.

What You Gain

Classroom Management Knowledge

Learn ways to manage students in a classroom and gain practical experience in our after school K-8 Literacy Program.

Leadership Development

Grow your confidence, learn to lead with your values, and practice your leadership skills.

Career Skills

Build your skills in public speaking, research, event planning, classroom management, curriculum facilitation, mentorship, and more!

Job Shadowing

Shadow Read Better Be Better’s experienced professionals and gain insight into what it’s like to work behind the scenes at a nonprofit.

Professional Development Workshops

Engage in workshops to develop professional skills and materials to prepare for your future.

Arizona Seal of Civics Literacy

Become eligible to receive your own Arizona Seal of Civics Literacy!

Application Opens March 30th

Application Process

Eligibility Requirements

Required

Incoming 9^th, 10^th, or 11^thgrader in Maricopa County
Passionate about the K-12 education system in Arizona

Preferred

Approved early dismissal (preferred 1pm, 2:30pm at the latest) from school (exceptions can be made on an individual basis)
Commitment to two Saturdays per school year for professional development days (will be informed of dates well in advance)

Rolling Application - March 30th

Submit your application starting March 30th.

Interviews - April 6th to May 7th

Chosen applicants will be invited to interview starting April 6th to May 7th.

Acceptance Notice - May 15th

Students who apply by May 1st will be notified whether they are accepted into the program by May 15th.

Fellowship Cohort Orientation Day – August 2026

First day of orientation for incoming fellows.

Explore Our Other High School Programs

If you are looking for a semester-long program focused on education professions or civic leadership, explore our other Pathways programs below:

Pathway to Education Professions

An opportunity to learn about the education system in the classroom.

Pathway to Civic Leadership

An opportunity to develop actionable solutions to real school challenges.