Pathways Academy
Established in 2019, the ASCE Orange County Pathways Academy is a three-part summer program that introduces university students to the various civil engineering disciplines through our "Engineering Your Future" Speaker Series, office tour seminars, and valuable professional networking opportunities. The goal of this program is to provide students with a sneak peek of what it's really like to work in the civil engineering industry in a fun, unique, and intimate setting. It bridges the gap between academia and industry by encouraging students to explore all their potential career options. We are so excited to empower the engineering journeys of our student scholars!
“Engineering Your Future” Event - Students will have the opportunity to hear 20-min. Lighting talks from private sector professionals working in the six main Civil Engineering disciplines: Structural, Water/Environmental, Transportation, Geotechnical, Construction, & Land Development. Professionals will share the scope and career paths of their respective disciplines, interesting projects they have worked on, highlights of their career journey, and how students can best prepare for their respective disciplines. This virtual 4- hour event will also feature an overview of 3 prominent public agencies, a panel of early-career professionals, and small group networking sessions via Zoom.
Office Tour Seminars - 25 Pathways Academy Student Scholars will have the opportunity to do a deeper dive into the six civil engineering disciplines by attending Office Tour seminars hosted by private firms in Orange County. These virtual Office Tour seminars will allow students to learn about real-world design and construction projects, participate in interactive activities to better understand the disciplines, and network and learn from experienced engineers from their firm.
Pathways Academy Graduation - At this end-of-the-program celebration, the university students and participating companies will each share about their experience in the Program and be presented with their certificates. The event will conclude with a keynote presentation hosted by the Pathways Academy Committee.
Pathways Academy August Externships - As a capstone part of the program, each Pathways Academy Scholar will have the opportunity to attend a one-day immersive externship at one of the participating office tour companies in August. The schedule and itineraries will be uniquely prepared by the hosting companies and will allow the Scholar to learn more about the company’s projects and people in an intimate setting.
Eligibility Requirements
1. You must be a registered ASCE Student Member attending a university.
2. You must complete the Pathways Academy Scholarship Program Application by the deadline.
3. You must upload an unofficial transcript and a headshot in your application.
4. You MUST commit to attending all three parts of the Pathways Academy Program
5. A letter of recommendation from a university professor, internship supervisor, student chapter leader, or ASCE OC YMF/Branch Board Member is recommended but not required.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for our industry partners. Please email pathwaysacademy@ymf-oc.org for more information.
2021 Pathways Academy Official Program
2021 Pathways Academy Information Session Recording
