3rd-5th Grade Component
If you speak to any of the current Pathways Prospects parents, they will tell you the program is excellent and provides important information for both parents and kids!  “If you believe, you will receive whatever you
ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22 Pathways Prospects is a resource here to help your 3rd – 5th grader feel confident that s/he cannot only attend, but graduate from college! Children and parents/guardians meet five Saturdays during the school year at WLC for various activities, workshops and guest speakers. Students also have the option of receiving a Campus Pen Pal, attending a private College Day during the summer, and having access to resources for academic assistance.
Workshops are designed specifically for 3rd – 5th grade students and their parents/guardians. Sessions occur on five Saturdays during the academic year from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The workshops are presented by Wisconsin Lutheran College professors, college students and community professionals. Each grade level has their own workshop along with parents having workshops pertaining to subjects based on preparing your child for college, motivational sessions, financial discussions, and many additional topics.
Topics are selected by Pathways to College staff and from the suggestions of participating parents. Topics suggested by parents that are unable to fit in the academic year of monthly workshops are also addressed through the Pathways Prospects E-mail Blasts. Workshop topics are adjusted annually!
Students are given the opportunity to be matched with WLC students, which serve as Campus Pen Pals and mentors. If your child opts to participate in the Pen Pal program, s/he is encouraged to maintain communication each month via letters/post cards. One of the goals of Campus Pen Pals is to expose younger students to different experiences from their daily environments. We hope correspondence with WLC students inspire young scholars to strive for college and realize the importance of performing well in school. Campus Pen Pals are asked to visit students at their schools to shadow them at least once during the school year. In addition, students will have the opportunity to shadow their Pen Pal at WLC with parent/guardian’s permission.
 Campus Pen Pals not only introduce young students to college, but also promotes literacy and letter writing—a dying art in the age of electronic communication. Parents play an important role in the pen pal component because they encourage their child/children to respond back in a timely manner. In addition, parents can support literacy and letter writing skills by reviewing their child/children’s letter before mailing them back to their Campus Pen Pal or bringing the letter to the workshops for proper distribution.
Consistent communication will:
- Increase student literacy and writing skills needed to be successful in college
- Encourage children’s intrigue and understanding of college
- Build positive, healthy relationships and strong communication skills
- Motivate while building self-confidence
- Give children a sense of self-achievement, while promoting responsibility and self-regulation
- Mold respect for adults and authoritative figures
- Expose children to positive role models
Pathways Prospects believes in the statement, “It takes a village to raise a child.” A great start in life leads to great success in the end, which is why Pathways Prospects partners with community resources to allow for networking with a focus on improving your child’s academic needs.
What pre-college program would be complete without a full day immersion experience? College Day welcomes all the 3rd - 5th grade students to Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) for a full day filled with fun, laughter, exploring and learning WITHOUT their parent(s)/guardians present. This is the only time during the program where students are on campus an entire day without the safety net of having their parent/guardian in the next room or a building away!
With WLC students serving as group leaders to supervise small groups of students the entire day, the day’s activities include the following:
- Students start the day with breakfast in the college cafeteria, while later enjoying lunch, and engage in a morning devotional.
- Students tour WLC and learn how to navigate through campus by completing a scavenger hunt.
- Students will engage in a comedy show focused on college and the importance of academics.
- Students attend a PTC summer course. They will preview Robotics, Art, Science, Earth Science and Drama.
- Students have an opportunity to build communication skills by walking table to table in a Q & A forum. Panelists include professionals, Campus Pen Pals, and current PTC students.
- Professionals share their experiences of utilizing their degrees in their careers.
- Campus Pen Pals share their thoughts and experiences about college and being part of the program.
- Current PTC Students share their thoughts and experiences about what it’s like being part of the 6th – 12th grade Pre-College program
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