What is the Commission?
The Commission on Purposeful Pathways brings together youth representatives alongside adult leaders, practitioners, and researchers representing K12 education, higher education, and the workforce to better define and connect key experiences that empower students to successfully see, understand, get and stay on great pathways. The Commission seeks to shape a national agenda that drives measurable impact by providing a clear vision for how pathway experiences, when integrated, can uniquely propel students toward their desired futures. To that end, the Commission will be publishing a report and resources in early 2026.
The Commission’s work will also serve as a foundation for the Pathways Impact Fund — a new national initiative being incubated by StriveTogether in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation and Gates Foundation. This Fund will mobilize increased funding for regional intermediary organizations—beyond funding, it will also help organizations understand and deliver the experiences defined by the Commission and identify bright spots for further research and support.
The Commission is funded by the Gates Foundation;f acilitated by Education First; and co-chaired by Melissa Connelly of One Goal, Paul Herdman of the Rodel Foundation, and John Garcia III of the Pathways Impact Fund.
