Students, teachers and employers seeking clarity in an increasingly complex world of pathways in education and the workplace can discover original insights in The Blueprint, a new podcast produced by Brilliant Pathways, a college- and career-readiness nonprofit with a 30-year track record of helping young people succeed.

The Blueprint is hosted by Manny Tejeda, Brilliant Pathways’ director of special programs, who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the mic. A former CFES Scholar from New York City and a first-generation college student, Tejeda understands firsthand the challenges of navigating the college admissions process. His career reflects that passion: before returning to Brilliant Pathways, he spent 14 years in higher education, most recently as associate director of admissions at the University of Vermont, where he oversaw diversity programming and recruitment. Tejeda now channels his knowledge into helping students build skills, foster community, and connect with resources to thrive in college and beyond.

On The Blueprint, Tejeda guides conversations on topics that are critical in an evolving world, such as equity and affordability in higher education, building professional networks, bridging the college-to-career skills gap, and how students falling behind in postsecondary education can get back on track.

“Brilliant Pathways has taken the lead on forecasting future trends in education and helping educators and families adapt,” said Brilliant Pathways CEO Tara Smith. “The Blueprint puts this content in a conversational format that’s engaging and thought-provoking.”

The inaugural podcast on The Blueprint features a conversation with Brilliant Pathways board chair Bob Seaberg discussing how to think about the benefits of education as Return On Investment to maximize financial and emotional rewards throughout one’s life. It was released Sept. 17, and new episodes will be available on the second Wednesday of each month. They can be found on major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, as well as on the Brilliant Pathways website at brilliantpathways.org/podcast/.

“We wanted to create another way for educators, families and community partners to access practical strategies and fresh ideas,” Tejeda said. “The Blueprint allows listeners to digest these conversations on their own time, while still connecting with experts who can provide actionable insights.”

Each episode will run approximately 25 minutes, striking a balance between depth and accessibility. The goal, Tejeda said, is not to provide exhaustive analysis but to spark curiosity and encourage further exploration. “If someone walks away saying, ‘I want to learn more about that,’ then we’ve done our job,” he said.

Episode topics will reflect both the core mission of Brilliant Pathways and broader issues shaping the future of postsecondary education and the workplace. Upcoming discussions will include:

• Mentorship Models: Exploring how mentoring programs adapt to different school environments and community contexts.

• Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s Workforce: Insights from industry and higher education leaders on what competencies matter most for students entering a changing job market.

• The Changing Higher Education Landscape: Why certain groups—such as young men—are increasingly underrepresented on college campuses.

While The Blueprint will serve Brilliant Pathways’ existing network of educators, Tejeda expects its reach to extend further. “We see families, community organizations, and even corporate partners as part of the audience,” he said. “Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a business leader, or simply curious about the future of education, there’s something here for you.”

Tejeda also emphasized the broader appeal of the podcast. “The name says it all. The Blueprint is about foundations and plans — ideas anyone can use to think about their own growth or how to support the next generation,” he said. “It’s not just for educators; it’s for anyone who wants to understand the skills and opportunities shaping tomorrow.”