Yesterday, MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving announced Pathways as one of the Yield Giving Open Call’s awardees working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States. Pathways received $1 million.

Based in Lynn, Pathways serves adults from North Shore communities providing English language instruction; classes in language arts, math and science; job readiness skills training; and opportunities for occupational or vocational training. Pathways works to provide career pathways to a brighter future for our adult students and their families.

In March 2023, Yield Giving launched an Open Call for community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources.

“I am still in disbelief!” says Josh Shepherd, Pathways’ Executive Director. “We know the learning that goes on at Pathways is so critical to families in Lynn and surrounding communities but finding support for adult education is a real challenge. 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 futures and those of their families.”

“A large percentage of the adult population in the Lynn area (30-40%) lack English language proficiency or the skills required to participate in vocational or occupational training. Pathways is actively engaged in partnerships to further develop the human capital this population represents. Turning these statistics around means a stronger, more prosperous, and vibrant North Shore community for all of us. Support from generous funders like Yield Giving makes this work possible.”

Josh Shepherd, Pathways’ Executive Director

The Open Call received 6,353 applications and initially planned for 250 awards of $1 million each. In the Fall of 2023, organizations top-rated by their peers advanced to a second round of review by an external Evaluation Panel recruited for experience relevant to this cause, and underwent a final round of due diligence. In light of the incredible work of these organizations, as judged by their peers and external panelists, the donor team decided to expand the awardee pool and the award amount.

“We are excited that our partnership with Yield Giving has resonated with so many organizations,” said Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. “In a world teeming with potential and talent, the Open Call has given us an opportunity to identify, uplift, and empower transformative organizations that often remain unseen.”

More information on the Yield Giving Open Call and other initiatives can be found at www.leverforchange.org.

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About Pathways

Each year Pathways serves 400 students from North Shore communities providing English language instruction; classes in language arts, math and science; job readiness skills training; and opportunities for occupational or vocational training. Pathways works to provide career pathways to a brighter future for our students and their families.

About Yield Giving

Established by MacKenzie Scott to share a financial fortune created through the effort of countless people, Yield Giving is named after a belief in adding value by giving up control. To date, Yield’s network of staff and advisors has yielded over $16,500,000,000 to 1,900+ non-profit teams to use as they see fit for the benefit of others. To learn more, visit www.yieldgiving.com.

About Lever for Change

Lever for Change connects donors with bold solutions to the world’s biggest problems—including issues like racial inequity, gender inequality, lack of access to economic opportunity, and climate change. Using an inclusive, equitable model and due diligence process, Lever for Change creates customized challenges and other tailored funding opportunities. Top-ranked teams and challenge finalists become members of the Bold Solutions Network—a growing global network that helps secure additional funding, amplify members’ impact, and accelerate social change. Founded in 2019 as a nonprofit affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Lever for Change has influenced over $1.7 billion in grants to date and provided support to more than 145 organizations. To learn more, visit www.leverforchange.org.

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The above press release was submitted to us by Pathways.