Scholarship Opportunity

We were fortunate to have Marc Purchin attend our Open House event last week. Marc has created what is called the Dream-Plan Scholarship that is available for students just exiting high school and entering postsecondary education.

“This scholarship is open to students receiving special education support through an individualized education plan (I.E.P.) all disabilities qualify, who graduates high school with a diploma or certificate of completion and has been accepted and enrolled in either an accredited College/University vocational school or an apprenticeship.”
The Dream–Plan Scholarship was created by Marc Purchin to honor his 40th birthday. The newly formed scholarship honors high school seniors in the Los Angeles area receiving special education support through an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) who demonstrates the values and morals of D.R.E.A.M.S. and who successfully complete high school with a diploma or certificate of completion. Individuals receiving this scholarship will use the award money to assist with the continuation of learning in one of the following accredited environments:


•Community College
•University or College
•Vocational or Trade School
•Apprentice Program

The goal of the scholarship is to award those who have worked through learning challenges, and are continuing advancing to ever-higher pursuits. D.R.E.A.M.S is one of the only scholarship programs in the country that honors and rewards the hard work and potential of special education students; as many as eight Dream-Plan Scholarships will be awarded, each valued at $5,000.


Details about the Dream-Plan Scholarship can be found at www.dreamsrun.org

Open House 2011

On the evening of Thursday, January 20th we hosted an Open House event for prospective Pathway and Generation NeXt students. The event was a huge success and was standing room only. We had a brif presentation followed by a tour of the student apartments. Anyone that could not make the event and would like a tour - just call the office and we will set up a time.

 Standing room only at the Career Center library.

Pathway graduates Daniel Schwartz and Adam talk about thier experiences. Ed Burg gave the parent perspective.

 Nadith leads a tour of a student apartment.

Pat Murphy from Creative Support talks about life skill instruction.

Project Search

Last year we were asked by PathPoint, a provider of employment and housing services and supports to folks with disabilities, to partner with them to create a Project Search project at the UCLA Medical Center. The project would give students an opportunity to do long term internships (6 months) within the hospital to learn essential and marketable job skills.

Pathway's part was to try and get a meeting with David Feinberg, CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, and once the project was up and running to enroll students as the educational partner of the internship.

We were able to meet with Dr. Feinberg and key staff within the hospital system - with every step getting an enthusiastic reception and a "Yes, we can" attitude.

In July of 2010 four graduates of Pathway, after completing the interview process, started thier internships - meeting every morning with their PathPoint job coaches before setting off to various departments around the hospital. They would end each afternoon meeting again with their job coaches to review their day. During the six months the students rotated though several departments to get an opportunity to learn a wide range of skills.

On Wednesday the 12th those four students completed their internship and the hospital folks held a graduation ceremony. One of those four already has a job offer from the hospital.  Starting next week a new group of six students will begin their internships, and the hosptial staff are gearing up to get 10 students in the group to start this summer.

 Corinna speaking to the group

 The graduates with hospital and PathPoint staff

Eric and the four graduates

New Pathway Program Manager

Congratulations to Marissa Himstedt Bhuva who will be moving into the Pathway Program Manager (PR III) position effective January 5, 2011.

Marissa started with Pathway five years ago as a temporary administrative assistant, and expanded into new responsibilities as the program grew; her most recent position as the Pathway Student Services Coordinator (PRI). In her various roles Marissa has had her hand in many aspects of Pathway, including supervising part-time staff in the student apartments, coordinating volunteer and intern programs, and managing the admissions process.

Marissa earned bachelor's degrees in both Psychology and Park, Recreation, and Tourism Resources from Michigan State University and a master's degree in Comparative and International Education from UCLA. She served underprivileged youth as an elementary school literacy tutor and worked in a group home for abused and neglected teenage girls prior to joining Pathway.

In seeking out a new Program Manager it was important to find someone who understands the mission and goals of Pathway, as well as someone who can help keep moving us forward. Marissa knows all aspects of Pathway, and she is eager to step into her new role, and learn all those new things that come with taking on new responsibilities.

I hope you all will join me in welcoming Marissa into her new position.