Palouse Pathways is preparing high school students for college

At the Neill Public Library in Pullman on a Wednesday evening, high school students had the opportunity to learn about the tools they’ll need to start their college careers. This was during an event hosted by Palouse Pathways, a local nonprofit that’s focused on college and career preparation.

Topics spanned from dorms and dining hall food, finding scholarships and learning about test-flexible schools.

Peggy Jenkins, the founder and director of Palouse Pathways, said she hopes to empower students to find schools that they like. But more importantly, she wants them to invest in their interests.

“Once you’ve got that little roadmap, you can say, ‘Hey, WSU has that, U of I has that.’ And people do, kids do. And they find the things that they need where they end up,” she said.

Mike Lopez, a parent at the event, said navigating the college process can be difficult.

“It’s a bit overwhelming to parents who really want to be invested and involved in their child’s future, their education,” he said.

Lopez said Palouse Pathways has made that process easier for parents.

The nonprofit has more upcoming events this month, including a college fair on Saturday in Moscow, Idaho. Jenkins said it will include information about apprenticeships and AmeriCorps.

This story is part of a continuing series highlighting nonprofits in the Northwest.