lifelong learning A New Pathway to Higher Learning BYU-Idaho implements a college-education program in our region. By Emma Young
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n 2014 Priscilla Schrubb was a busy stay-at-home mother to three and a community volunteer, living on Quantico Marine Base, and facing her husband’s upcoming retirement as an active-duty Marine. Schrubb wanted to earn her bachelor’s degree to increase her earning potential while her husband advocated for them becoming entrepreneurs. “I didn’t have confidence and was scared about [our] financial future on limited income,” Schrubb said. Then an innovative, low-cost educational program opened in the Woodbridge area that enabled her to attend college classes online with local peer support. Pathway, a one-year program designed by Brigham Young University-Idaho, a private, fouryear university associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), to overcome barriers to higher education, seemed perfect for her. Schrubb was amongst the first county residents to register and attend. “Some of the assignments were self-reflecting, reviewing personality traits and discussing previous employment, and so on,” said Schrubb. “They gave me a lot of confidence. They helped me realize that I did have the skills and ability to create a successful business.” Fast forward through two years of hard work and Schrubb and her husband Dan have established a highly successful and wellrated business, Popcorn Friday, selling delectable and fresh popcorn in flavorful varieties, where they’ve retired in Spring Branch, Texas. “Absolutely Pathway helped me,” Schrubb said.
Breaking Down Barriers to Higher Learning “Designed to give students the confidence and skills needed to succeed in college, Pathway is a low-cost educational opportunity that combines online courses with local gatherings. Students earn college credit that is eligible for transfer to BYU-Idaho and other universities. The program takes three semesters, or one year, to complete and can lead to professional certificates and degrees,” reads the Pathway website. Pathway courses include basic academics and religious instruction. Launched in northern Virginia in 2014 at the request of local LDS Church leaders, Pathway was first tested in three U.S. locations in 2009: Mesa, Arizona, Nampa, Idaho and Manhattan, New York. In Prince William County, it is currently only available to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though it is now being piloted outside the region to adults who are not members of the church. “There’s
a certain population of people who are not going to college and don’t plan on going to college because of reasons such as lackof-money, fear, or not having the time because they’re working or have other responsibilities,” said Andy Cargal, Pathway Communications Manager, based in Idaho. “Pathway breaks down those barriers.” Low cost. First the program is low-cost, offered now at $68 per credit hour. “That is pretty low across the board,” explained Cargal. For Triangle resident Evelyn Gonzalez, a full-time nanny who has plans to become an adoption specialist case manager, (continues on page 33) prince william living March 2016 | 25