Pathfinders
The years after high school bring the biggest decisions, and often the thinnest safety net. A missed ride, an unexpected expense, or the lack of a professional connection can quickly put college, career training, or a new job out of reach.
Students from our partner schools, Wilde Lake, Oakland Mills, Guilford Park, Hammond, and Howard High, come together to form Pathfinders, where they continue building toward their goals, gaining independence, and finding their place in the community.
Finding the Path to What’s Next
Pathfinders got its name from the first group of young adults in the program. They chose it themselves. No other mentoring organization in Howard County stays with 18 to 24 year olds as they build the skills, connections, and confidence for the path ahead. It’s now our fastest-growing village.
Young adults face challenges that are easy to miss from the outside. Transportation is a big one. Many of our youth cannot afford Driver’s Ed, and the ones who can often have no car to drive. That gap turns into isolation, loneliness, and fewer options for work, school, and training.
Pathfinders are young adults figuring out what comes next. Some are exploring jobs or training programs. Others are weighing a return to school or advanced training. When they come together, they realize how many people are working through the same questions, and that no one has to carry a worry alone.
Giving Back to the Community
Our Pathfinders also have a lot to give to the community. Some of our older students are stepping into peer mentor roles with the younger ones, and it works both ways. The older students find real purpose in it. The younger students learn from someone who was recently in their shoes. Close in age, a younger student can look at a peer mentor and see a version of where they are headed.
Along the path, something shifts. Students grow more confident. They ask more questions and for help more often. That comfort and confidence grows with each step forward.
- Who it’s for 18 to 24year olds
- Reach today 32young adults
- Our goal 110Pathfinders in five years
Become a PathFUNDER
Pathfinders is the fastest growing village at OhanaHC. A five year commitment keeps the rides, the connections and the workshops running for young adults who have left school behind.
Who We Are
- Village Coordinators
- Susan Porter, Minah Woo, Julie Ann Hutchinson, and Christopher DeVoe
In the fastest-growing village in OhanaHC, Susan and Minah help young adults build confidence, explore, and try new things. And they’re proud to see that growth every day in both big and small moments. “My mentee texted me to say ‘hi,’ and ask me how I was doing. No other reason.”
Their wish is for Pathfinders to be fearless in their exploration of new paths.
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Susan Porter
Village Coordinator
See OhanaHC Through Their Eyes
OhanaHC has stayed supporting me after high school, even though I am still figuring it out.
Young adults moving forward
- 78%are working, in college, or pursuing skilled trades after high school
- 83%of parents report positive changes in their child’s confidence, behavior, motivation, or outlook
My daughter is very confident, and she can now trust adults.
Support for every step ahead
From 18 to 24, young adults stay connected to the people and resources that can help them move forward.
Trusted mentors and adult connections
Caring adults who stay in a young person’s corner and show up year after year, helping young people build relationships, expand their network, and discover new opportunities.
College, career, and workforce coaching
Guidance through applications, training programs, internships, skilled trades, and first jobs.
Transportation to work, training, and school
Transportation should never stand between a young person and an opportunity.
Financial capability
Budgeting, banking, credit, and saving, so young adults can build a stable foundation.
No One Should Have to Find Their Path Alone
With Pathfinders expected to triple in five years, your support can help ensure every young adult still has the connection and guidance they need after high school.