As 2025 draws to a close, The Center for Pathway Programs reflects on a year of significant evolution, deepened partnerships, and a sharpened strategic focus. Our mission—to strengthen the ecosystem that guides aspiring professionals into the careers they choose—has been animated by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable impact.
Forging New Pathways with Partners
A major theme of the year was aligning our work with broader institutional goals, particularly the workforce development (WFD) initiatives within the Duke CTSI. We engaged in pivotal conversations with leadership to explore how The Center can support relationship-building with internal and external partners and contribute to a cohesive vision for the next seven years. These discussions have positioned The Center to play a key role in connecting talent with opportunity across institutions.
Spotlighting Program Excellence
Throughout the year, our newsletter proudly featured the inspiring work of Duke pathway programs. From igniting early passion for human-centered design in middle schoolers with Ignite and building foundational skills for students and teachers with Outreach Design Education (ODE), to providing deep-dive research internships for high schoolers in the Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE). We highlighted programs forging vital, longstanding community connections like Duke AHEC and City of Medicine Academy, and got involved in community STEM events with spirited CTSI colleagues. These stories are a testament to the dedication of program directors and the transformative power of well-designed pathways from the classroom through professional development. Visit our newsletter archive to get caught up.
Elevating Our Voice: Leadership and National Representation
Center Co-Director Amber Richardson played a significant role in elevating The Center’s profile on a national stage in 2025. Richardson was elected Secretary of the Association of STEMM Pathway and Bridge Programs (ASPBP) at its October conference, a leadership position that embeds her within the national pathways community and creates a direct channel between Duke and the broader field. Earlier in the year, Richardson also represented The Center by delivering a presentation on its evolution and offerings at the NC Alliance for Health Professions’ Statewide Pathways Summit.
Centering a Core Practice: Cascading Mentorship
A key strategic insight that re-emerged in 2025 was the power and potential of cascading mentoring—a model wherein learners at different levels of training provide mentorship to one another in a layered format, creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and leadership development. As we prepare for the year ahead, The Center is exploring how to build this practice into the foundation of pathway programs, asking critical questions about how this approach impacts future leadership, sustains programs, and strengthens the entire workforce pipeline. This pillar of The Center’s work will feature much more prominently in the months ahead as we work with programs to understand their approach to mentoring. Want to share or learn about cascaded mentorship in your pathway program? Let us know. We’d love to collaborate with you.
Navigating Change with Transparency
This year required thoughtful reexamination of The Center’s key offerings, especially as programs adapt to changing environments, needs, and parameters. While The Center continues to champion tools and systems that streamline program management and learner engagement, its operational focus will center the role of dedicated connector and strategic advisor for the broad spectrum of pathway practitioners and participants.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we turn the page, we are energized by the connections we’ve made and the foundational work we’ve accomplished. Our focus for the coming year is clear: to leverage our network, deepen our research on effective practices like cascading mentorship, and forge partnerships that create a more resilient and inclusive pathway ecosystem for all.
Thank you for being part of our community this year. Here’s to building even stronger pathways together in 2026.
Warmly,
The Center for Pathway Programs Team
