LYNN — Adults on the North Shore searching for a path back to education don’t have to look too far and wide, as Pathways in Lynn is right there to set them on the right road to success.

Now after receiving a gift of $1 million from Yield Giving’s Open Call, the adult education and training program can lead the way towards transformative learning with some fiscal assistance.

In a press release, Pathways, stated that in March 2023, Yield Giving launched an Open Call for community-led and community-focused organizations whose purpose is to “enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources.”

The Open Call received 6,353 applicants from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and eventually Yield Giving narrowed it down to 361 recipients, including Pathways.

According to the press release, The organizations chosen as recipients were top-rated by peers to be sent to a second-round. They were then reviewed by an external evaluation panel recruited due to relevant experience to the specific gift being awarded. Finally, the organizations were further narrowed down after a “final round of due diligence.”

“Having an organization like Yield Giving recognize us with an award of this size invigorates us to continue working hard to provide high-quality programs that offer adults a chance to change their future and those of their families,” Josh Shepherd, Pathways executive director, said in the press release.

Shepherd continued, saying 30% to 40% of the adult population in Lynn struggle with English proficiency and skills needed for vocational and occupational training. 

“Turning these statistics around means a stronger, more prosperous, and vibrant North Shore community for all of us,” Shepherd said in the press release. “Support from generous funders like Yield Giving makes this work possible.”

Pathways provides both GED/HiSet (general educational development) prep and English language classes for adults on the North Shore to expand their opportunity for growth, no matter the age of the student.

Pathways also provides a Career Development program, which helps its students get and keep a job.