Nia: Pathways and Purpose for the Future is an in school and afterschool college and career readiness program with a mission of promoting the future success of students by providing interactive, highly informative classes and workshops. Geared to motivate students to pursue higher education and explore their future aspirations.

Offered at Waukesha North High School, the program focuses on:

• College & Career Exploration – Students receive an understanding of postsecondary options, the college application process, resume writing, etc.
• Academic Support – Students receive academic support that will assist them in being prepared for the classroom. They will focus on leadership, personal and professional development, time management, organization, note-taking, etc.
• Community Service Projects – Students will gain leadership by giving back to the community by engaging in community service options.

With support from of a Children Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) five-year grant, the NIA: Pathways and Purpose for the Future project expands pathways to access college and employment for young people.

Curriculum emphasizes positive identity development, relationship building and access to postsecondary pathways, including college and career. Extension Waukesha county focuses the programming on vulnerable youth populations within the community. Extension Waukesha County has partnered with the School District of Waukesha. This program is currently being offered at Waukesha North High School, Les Paul Middle School, and Waukesha West High School.

This program is in collaboration with North Carolina A&T, Extension Rock County, and Extension Kenosha County. The CYFAR grant is a federal grant administered through the United States Department of Agriculture. In collaboration with CYFAR, the mission for this program is to develop and deliver educational programs that equip limited resource families and youth who are at-risk for not meeting basic human needs with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, and contributing lives.