A select group of 20+ schools from 3 states across the U.S — New York, Florida and Hawaii — and Ireland will be recognized by CFES Brilliant Pathways as Schools of Distinction 2020-2021 for their exemplary efforts in helping students become college and career ready.

The competitive award acknowledges the development and execution of a highly-effective plan for the entire student body to become college and career ready through the CFES core practices of Essential Skills™, Mentoring and Pathways to College and Career.

A global leader in helping low-income students become college and career ready, CFES currently supports 25,000 students through partnerships with 150 rural and urban K-12 schools and districts in 30 states and Ireland. Relying on research-driven methods and best practices, CFES has sent 95 percent of its students to college from both urban and rural areas from across the United States.

“The innovative plans implemented by these schools are proven models for success that schools across the country can emulate,” said Rick Dalton, CFES Brilliant Pathways President and CEO. “They have managed to create a culture of college readiness while also equipping students with the Essential Skills™ they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce.”

Examples of standout strategies include: weekly virtual college tours with recent graduates; a virtual College and Career Fair Spirit Week highlighting daily career cluster themes and presentations from community members; incorporating a “professional hour” with industry-specific experts into the curriculum, and one school even established a CFES class.

In order to be considered for the School of Distinction recognition, a school must fulfill a set of college and career readiness criteria implemented in their school.

The following criteria are used to determine School of Distinction winners:

• Scholars have a mentor with whom they meet more than twice monthly and Scholars are making progress toward their goals and 100% of Scholars are building Essential Skills™.
• Scholars participate in at least six Essential Skills™ building opportunities and can articulate the importance of developing Essential Skills™ and Scholars drive their own Essential Skills™
• Scholars participate in more than one engaging college visit and Scholars are exposed to a variety of college campuses (community college, 4-year college, private, public, etc.) over the course of their involvement in CFES.
• Scholars, families and school community members participate in college & career knowledge workshops/discussions to gain an understanding of college/career academic and admissions requirements.

To learn more about the CFES School of Distinction designation, contact Jon Reidel at jon@brilliantpathways.org or Alina Walentowicz at alina@brilliantpathways.org.