Mission
The mission of Palouse Pathways is to maximize students’ higher education opportunities by providing both students and families in the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho with information and inspiration.
Through broad community engagement and a dedicated student cohort model, we guide students through the process of exploring college and university options, determining financial aid solutions, and selecting the higher education pathway that best supports their aspirations.
Our Region
Palouse Pathways serves students and families in the Palouse region of Eastern Washington and North Central Idaho.
Our region includes Whitman County and Latah County. Students and families attend Palouse Pathways programming from towns including:
Washington: Albion, Colfax, Colton, Garfield, Palouse, Pullman
Idaho: Deary, Genesee, Kendrick, Moscow, Potlatch, Troy
History
Founded as a nonprofit organization in 2013 by Peggy Jenkins, Palouse Pathways grew from efforts of teachers, parents and community members who wanted to assist and encourage families and students preparing for life beyond high school.
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2010
Palouse Pathways begins with efforts involving parents, counselors, and teachers at Moscow High School
First Returning Student Forum hosted for returning MHS alumni
2010-2011
First selective college panel discussion
First selective college fair
2011
Established Palouse Pathways Facebook group for community engagement
Began partnership with Carol Wagers, a CPA and college admissions counselor who hosted workshops over the next 4-5 years
2013
Palouse Pathways is officially incorporated in November 2013
Successful college financial aid events and workshops organized (2013-2015 and onwards)
2014
Palouse Pathways becomes a 501(c)(3) non-profit in August 2014
Launched summer essay writing workshops
2015
Created Palouse Pathways website
Launched the summer college exploration course
Hosted inaugural Honors College Fair
2016
Launched SAT preparation program at Moscow High School (ran through 2018)
Implemented Mailchimp email newsletter system
Hosted second annual Honors College Fair
2017
Initiated Path to College events across various rural locations
2018
Hosted third annual Honors College Fair
Started hosting college visits with admissions representatives from selective institutions including Pomona, Columbia, UChicago, USC, MIT, and WashU
2019
Established Scholars Program
Helped recruit students for the Emerging Rural Leaders Program led by Byron Trott in Chicago
2020-2021
Transitioned to virtual workshops, events, and college presentations
Hosted a virtual Honors College Fair
Adapted Scholars Program to continue providing meaningful engagement amidst COVID-19 restrictions
2022-2024
Launched the annual College Within Reach: Paying for College Fair featuring financial aid guest speaker Amanda Moore
Welcomed the national Story College Fair to the 1912 Center
Continued expansion of college outreach and partnerships, programming, and access to opportunities for students
2025
First class of Palouse Pathways Scholars graduates from college
Palouse Pathways field trip to Whitman College for Discover Whitman Day in July
Students at an event in the early days of Palouse Pathways
Honors college panel in 2017
Returning Student Forum in December 2022
First annual Paying for College Fair in 2024