About Us
Discover Your PATHe
Pinellas Access to Higher Education (PATHe) invites Pinellas County students to Discover Your PATHe! This engaging college and career exploration program helps students learn more about college life and prepare for their journey to higher education, all while getting to know the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. Three separate experiences are offered based on grade level.
Discover Your PATHe: SELF DISCOVERY (June 24, 2026)
For middle school students
DYP: Self Discovery is an interactive summer experience designed to help middle school students explore their interests and begin connecting them to future career possibilities. Through engaging activities and guided exploration, students will identify their top interests and learn how those interests can translate into real-world careers. Participants will discover tools and resources to research careers, explore several career options that match their strengths, and identify opportunities to gain hands-on experience. By the end of the program, students will have a personalized plan to continue exploring their interests and growing their understanding of future pathways.
Students will:
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- Explore a variety of careers and what they involve day-to-day
- Learn how their personal strengths and interests connect to future opportunities
- Discover educational pathways, scholarships, and programs to prepare for the future
- Connect with peers and current college students for inspiration and guidance
Camp Hours: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Drop-Off: 7:30AM - 8:00AM
Pick-Up: 4:00PM - 4:30PM
Applications Closed for 2026
Discover Your PATHe: The College Preview (June 17, 2026)
For rising high school Juniors (Class of 2028)
DYP: The College Preview is a one-day immersive experience designed to spark curiosity and build a foundation for students beginning to think about college. Through a “day in the life” simulation, participants will explore what it’s really like to be a college student: learning about the university admissions process, how admissions decisions are made, and the various ways to fund a college education, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students will also complete a career assessment to discover how their personal interests align with potential career pathways. Along the way, they’ll connect with peers and current college students, gaining insight, confidence, and inspiration to begin planning their unique college journey.
By the end of the event, students will:
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- Understand and identify the university admissions process and decision factors.
- Differentiate between types of college funding (scholarships, grants, loans).
- Learn how to research and identify scholarship opportunities that fit their goals.
- Analyze career assessment results to connect interests to career paths.
Camp Hours: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Drop-Off: 8:30AM - 9:00AM
Pick-Up: 4:30PM - 5:00PM
Discover Your PATHe: The College Experience (June 10–11, 2026)-For rising high school Seniors (Class of 2027)
DYP: The College Experience is a two-day, one-night program designed for students ready to take the final steps toward college with confidence. During this hands-on, immersive event, participants will dive deeper into the full college experience, from completing mock college applications and attending sample classes to exploring campus life and connecting with current USF students. Students will also learn about housing options, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities tailored to their interests and goals. In addition, they’ll experience real aspects of student life, including recreation, clubs, and academic connections that foster a sense of belonging.
By the end of the program, students will:
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- Understand the admissions process and how decisions are made.
- Compare on-campus and off-campus housing options.
- Explore college funding sources, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Identify scholarships aligned with their personal background and goals.
- Develop meaningful connections with peers and USF students.
- Learn about student life, organizations, and campus involvement.
- Build confidence in their readiness to transition successfully into college.
Camp Hours: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Drop-Off (June 10): 8:30AM - 9:00AM (students will stay overnight)
Pick-Up (June 11): 4:30PM - 5:00PM
Through these experiences, students will have a clearer understanding of the college experience and increase confidence in their ability to successfully transition to and thrive in a university setting.
For more information on our Discover Your PATHe events, please reach out to the PATHe team at stp-pathe@usf.edu.