Graduate School Pathways Program
Empowering Students Beyond College

Support for Graduate School Success

The Graduate School Pathways Program (GSPP) offers those impacted by the foster care system comprehensive support to pursue graduate education and navigate career opportunities.

This program combines academic guidance, personalized coaching, and financial support to ensure students feel prepared and empowered on their graduate school journey.

Program Components

1.
Workshops
GSPP hosts workshops throughout the year designed to demystify the graduate school application process. Past workshops have covered various aspects of applying to graduate school, including how to choose the right program and strategies for funding a graduate education. These workshops are open to everyone.
2.
Holistic Approach
GSPP is centered on a 360° support model, addressing participants’ personal, academic, and career needs. We focus on strengthening participants’ understanding of the application process, building relationships, and empowering them to share their stories.
3.
Personalized Coaching
Each participant receives one-on-one support, from assessing their readiness for graduate school to preparing and submitting applications. Coaches assist with navigating the application process, meeting deadlines, and negotiating financial aid, creating a tailored path for each participant.
4.
Financial Assistance
To alleviate the costs of applying to graduate school, GSPP offers financial support for application fees and preparing for and taking graduate entrance exams. This ensures that financial barriers don’t hinder participants’ ambitions for advanced degrees.
5.
Ongoing Support
GSPP offers a community of peers and mentors who guide participants in personal and career development, connecting them to internships, job opportunities, and mental health resources.

Testimonials

I truly appreciate the generosity of RTS. Zoe, Gina, and Alero were super encouraging throughout the process. I am so grateful for everyone who helped administer all the resources that we got access to, such as the workshops, templates, and funding. Thank you so much for your support in helping fulfill my dream of becoming a lawyer. I am so excited to see where I go and am looking forward to staying connected with everyone along my journey.

Carol, GSPP Participant

"The funding [from GSPP] allowed me to apply to additional schools. It reduced the financial stress of applying to graduate school., I couldn't imagine myself here a few years ago. I look forward to doing the work because I know I will be funded to help with my needs. This has been a big stress reliever for me."

Bailey, RTS Scholar and GSPP Participant

Mentorship was the number one reason why I was able to feel confident submitting my applications. The support and encouragement really helped me get through the busiest time of my academic career, and the funding helped alleviate any worries about applying.

Amanda, GSPP Participant

“[GSPP] has taken a lot of stress off the application process, especially applying to schools that do not offer any sort of fee waiver.”

Anri, GSPP Participant

“The test and application funding allowed me to not feel confined to what I could afford and I was able to apply to more [grad] schools and give myself more opportunities.”

Katheryn, RTS Alumni and GSPP Participant