Both are benefitting from the personalized and comprehensive approach of the Pathways for the Future (PFF) program at Arizona State University (ASU) . The life-long learning program creates connections between students, faculty, mentors and employers.

Erin is a non-traditional student. Neil is a typical college junior. They voiced appreciation for the opportunities offered through the program as PFF Scholars. The State Farm-funded program is not just a $6,000 scholarship. Pathways also helps them build the knowledge, mindset and skills necessary for life and work in the 21^st century.

“They care about you,” Neil said. “Not just in school, but for your future.”

Placing an emphasis on education

The PFF education and career development program launched in February 2020. The $30 million investment from State Farm provides an endowment for scholarships and program operations. It also funds curriculum development, technology tools, and the new career and transition success center.

In addition to the 53 PFF Scholars seeking degrees and certificates, there are 40 other ASU students who received PFF awards. The awards of up to $1,700 cover fees associated with credit eligibility and credit conversion. The money helps jumpstart degree completion. The program seeks students at all stages of life, not just those entering the higher education system upon high school graduation.

PFF is specific to students seeking degrees or certificates in business, engineering and technology, and liberal arts and sciences. In addition to financial help, participants receive coaching and advisement through the Pathways Career Transitions and Success Center.

“Pathways for the Future is just one way State Farm is helping provide learners with the educational tools and resources to achieve and realize their dreams,” said Rasheed Merritt, Assistant Vice-President at State Farm. “State Farm believes education is critical for healthy, vibrant communities. Access to an education helps everyone reach their greatest potential.”

Meet Sarah Fitterer. A 28-year-old high school graduate turned dental assistant. Sarah, her husband and their two children live in Newark, Ohio. Her husband is on disability and money is tight. The family lives paycheck to paycheck each month. Sarah isn’t sure if they will ever get ahead financially…

Time out.

Sarah Fitterer isn’t 28-years-old. She’s actually an eighth-grade student from Newark. Turns out, her theoretical life is part of a simulation game called, Reality Store. The rules are simple: choose an adult identity, a level of education and an occupation. Monthly earnings and life/family details (i.e., married, single, kids) are predetermined. In Fitterer's case, with a roll of the dice, she aged 15 years, received her high school diploma, and started a family.

The game, and her life, just got interesting. "This experience gave me a real world view of the struggles people go through," said Fitterer. "Sometimes things happen to us that are out of our control. Knowing how to overcome life challenges is really important."

All eighth-graders in Newark city schools take part in Reality Store. Prior to playing, students complete two classroom lessons focused on financial literacy. “We learned education, occupation and earnings are closely connected,” said Fitterer. “I also learned dropping out of high school can have serious consequences.”

The Objective:

This game and its accompanying lessons are part of A Call to College (ACTC). The non-profit organization helps students pursue a path to higher education.

“The more you learn, the more you earn,” said ACTC Associate Programming Director Shannon Chiacchira. “This small phrase has a big meaning. It helps students understand staying in school can lead to a more comfortable, satisfying and financially secure life.”

Let the Game Begin!

Following their classroom lessons, students transform into adults, and the school gym transforms into the Reality Store. With their newly assumed identities, these “adults in action” visit various life stations. They include:

Living Large: You drive a new car, have a topnotch phone plan and shop at high-end stores.

Modest Middle: You drive a used car, talk on an older smartphone, and shop at budget friendly outlets.

Penny Pincher: You take the bus, have a disposable phone, and shop at thrift stores.

Watch out!

If players run out of money before finishing their simulation, they go back to school! A higher education helps them earn more income and greater purchasing power. 

“During the game I bought a house. That was my downfall,” said Fitterer. “I should have rented because I ran out of money toward the end of the experience. So, I went back to school and got my Bachelor’s Degree – that helped!”

Fitterer admits, the Reality Store helped her appreciate the support her parents provide. “I’m one of four children,” she said. “Planning budgets can get really intense!”

The Tassel is Worth the Hassel

Mackenzie Wilkins is an eighth grade teacher in the Newark school district. She agrees with Fitterer - the Reality Store helps students understand the value of saving and investing money.

“After playing the game, they realize their moms and dads pay for a lot,” said Wilkins. “This experience helps them see how much comes out of their parents’ bank accounts – whether that’s childcare, groceries, or insurance. They also understand a college education can really pay off.”

Time to Reflect

At the beginning of the school year, Wilkins asks her students to write a letter, outlining their educational goals.

“Most of the letters I receive have career paths involving college aspirations. I always try to push my students to do their best and work towards those dreams.”

Wilkins knows firsthand the benefit A Call to College can provide. After graduating from her Newark High School, she received a Last Dollar Grant. This coveted scholarship helped pay for her college education.

“Today, I still keep my high school and college graduation pictures on my desk at school,” she smiled. “I also have my graduation caps and diplomas displayed. I believe these visuals help students see they too, can achieve their dreams if they work hard and try their best.”

For Wilkins and Fitterer, a visit to the Reality Store, coupled with a mission to succeed, can help anyone win in the “game of life.”

The untimely death of a parent can be an overwhelming loss. But for some young people, it can also mean struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over your head. It can also make the idea of attending college seem like a fairy tale.

“If it wasn’t for the kindness of friends, my brother and I would’ve been homeless after our mom died of cancer,” said Rachel Tang, a University of Southern California student originally from Bozeman, Mont.

As a child, Tajha’s family was constantly on the move. Although they never had a reliable shelter to call home, Tajha refused to fall through the cracks.

“If you’re in an environment you don’t want to be in, push yourself,” says Tajha, “I knew there was so much more out there for me.”

It Takes a Village

Luckily, she wasn’t alone. Tajha surrounded herself with a number of helpful role models along the way.

One such supporter was her teacher Miss Fleming, who encouraged Tajha to pursue the world of possibilities that lay ahead.

Equipped with great mentors, Tajha graduated second in her class, and the president of several clubs. These achievements earned her leadership service awards from Toastmasters and GRAD Cincinnati, funded by State Farm.

The GRAD Cincinnati scholarship brought Tajha new mentors such as the organization’s Program Manager Jamell Taylor and its Executive Director Patricia Stewart Adams.

Jamell says he knew right away Tajha was different from the others. “[She] is wise beyond her years,” he said fondly, “She has dreams and is willing to put in the hard work and dedication to make [them] come true.”

At a Crossroads

Dreams of a better life led Tajha to Ohio University, but the move from a small high school to a college of 27,000 students was overwhelming. Midway through her freshman year, the transition intensified as Tajha’s family lost their home due to financial hardship.

Tajha struggled to balance her education with her ever-growing pile of worries. This left little time for making friends or being happy. Soon, Tajha thought about dropping out and returning to Cincinnati.

During those trying times, however, her mentor Patricia helped her back on her feet. Patricia reminded her that opportunities don’t always knock more than once.

Tajha reflected on how far she had come and repeated her mantra to herself.

When you want to give up, just think where you will end up.

With renewed motivation, she was able to finish her first year with a 3.5 GPA, an internship with the Community Food Initiative, and plenty of friends to boot.

Chasing the Dream

While college life still has its challenges, Tajha is making the best of it. Her infectious smile, captivating personality, and determination will enable her to overcome whatever life throws her way.

After college, Tajha plans to work for the United Nations or the Peace Corps, with the goal of creating a culture that connects people. Her dream is to establish a non-profit organization that both mentors and provides full-ride scholarships to 7th – 12th grade students.