Pathways

Introduction to Pathways

Navigating the path to a successful career can often feel uncertain. With the support of the Will Allen Foundation, students are able to discover new opportunities and possibilities for their future careers. The Will Allen Foundation is on a mission to redefine how students approach their careers. Through the Pathways program, we offer a variety of customized options designed to empower students with the tools and guidance necessary to chart their own paths toward achieving their career goals. This initiative not only provides academic and professional growth but also creates a strong sense of confidence among young adults. We aim to ensure that students are well-prepared to confidently achieve their dreams.

The Will Allen Foundation works with multiple Pittsburgh organizations and companies that offer specialized programs equipping students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their desired career fields. Some of those pathway options include the Pittsburgh Technology Council Apprenti Program, enhances STEM learning and provides experiential opportunities for students. Our partners at the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh Masonry Program offer hands-on training and certification in masonry, preparing students for careers in construction and craftsmanship. We also offer a nursing scholarship program that supports comprehensive training for nurses, ensuring they are prepared for success in healthcare.

With the Pathways programs, the Will Allen Foundation empowers students to thrive in careers with the skills needed to succeed in today's competitive workforce.

Our Programs

West Penn Nursing Scholarship Program

The West Penn Nursing Scholarship Program, in partnership with Allegheny Health Network, provides students (most are first generation college students) from underserved communities with the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in nursing. Designed to eliminate financial barriers, the program covers all costs and guarantees a nursing job upon successful completion of the program and passing their state boards. Created, also, with the intention to help participants overcome challenges associated with a more academically rigorous environment, students receive personalized support through weekly tutoring sessions and mentorship from the Will Allen Foundation Pathways Coach, who helps to ensure they stay on track academically and confidently navigate their nursing education.

AHN Talent Attraction Program

The Talent Attraction Program (TAP) aids students aspiring to enter the healthcare field. Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is committed to nurturing future nurses and healthcare professionals by providing tuition support, uniforms, and transportation, along with a dedicated nurse mentor who will guide students throughout their education and beyond.

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Year Up United

Through the Investment Opportunities Training Program, participants gain a deep understanding of the financial and investment landscape. They will learn skills in financial operations, financial report analysis, investment operations, process analysis, data analysis, and data reporting.

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Through the Application Development & Support Training Program, participants develop a diverse skill set to thrive in the tech industry including computer architecture, programming, IDE proficiency, databases, software testing, software development, problem-solving techniques, and application development.

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Pittsburgh Technology Council Apprenti Program

The Pittsburgh Technology Council’s mission is to bolster the region’s workforce by prioritizing support for local entrepreneurs and start-ups. This enhances STEM learning and provides experiential opportunities for students, and addresses current workforce talent gaps through the Apprenti program.

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Trade Institute of Pittsburgh Masonry Program

The Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP) is a nonprofit trade program designed to empower men and women with significant barriers to employment through skill building and job opportunities. This program provides a 10-week tuition-free training program in masonry, with an option for students demonstrating interest to join the 7-week carpentry program. TIP offers life skills courses and social service support. After completion of the program, students can be placed in jobs across various trade-related fields that offer competitive wages.

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enGen Pathways

The partnership between enGen and the Will Allen Foundation centers on the Pathways Program, a career readiness initiative designed to provide high school students—particularly those from diverse backgrounds—with training, mentorship, and career placement opportunities in Information Technology and Print Shop Operations. Through career exposure, structured support, and hands-on coaching, students are guided from application through employment. WAF and enGen are offering real-world experience and a pathway to long-term career growth. The program addresses barriers like financial strain and lack of mentorship, aiming to create a more equitable, developed and prepared workforce while increasing community engagement.

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"Quest helped me plan things out better and made me into a well-rounded person. We have learned so much more than what we would in our regular classes. Classes in high school don’t teach you the information you need to know once you graduate."
Natasha Konik
"Quest has taught me what I need to step into the future. It has helped us learn to tackle the daunting tasks no one had ever prepared us for – How do you lead a healthy lifestyle? How do I prepare for an interview What is a credit score? Quest has given me an advantage in preparing for the world to come that I wish all students could have."
Sydney Brown
"The Will Allen Foundation does great work with children and for people who work with kids – it’s a breath of fresh air to see someone who does it for the right reasons. Thank you for sharing what God has blessed you with. The highest regards to you and the people of your foundation. Keep up the great work!"
Michael Fulmore
Athletic Director, Crisis Intervention Facilitator
Wilkinsburg High School

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