Pathways to Success: Empowering youth to build brighter futures

Pathways to Success: Empowering youth to build brighter futures

Published on October 21, 2025

The Pathways to Success Career & Resource Fair, held on Oct. 15 at the Resource Connection gym, united a powerful network of partners and community leaders committed to helping Tarrant County youth - especially those transitioning out of foster care - build stable, successful futures.

The event opened with inspiring remarks from Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Tarrant County Human Resources Director Roxie Held, Forest Hill Mayor Stephanie Boardingham, Fort Worth Police Department Deputy Chief Monica Martin, Cornerstone Assistance Network CEO Scott Charbonneau and Andre L. Johnson, director of crime prevention and reentry services for Reentry 1st Stop for Tarrant County.

Parker praised the collaboration behind the initiative, noting that "our community thrives when every young person has access to the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. Pathways to Success is more than a program - it's a bridge to brighter futures."

The Pathways to Success initiative represents a broad coalition of partners, including the Fort Worth Police Department, Cornerstone Assistance Network, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, Reentry 1st Stop for Tarrant County, Union Pacific Railroad, Tarrant County and the City of Fort Worth EnVision Center, among several others. Together, these organizations form a unified network of nonprofits, faith-based groups, educators, employers, law enforcement and volunteers all dedicated to connecting youth with education, career pathways and life-skills development.

More than 94 youth from Dunbar High School, O.D. Wyatt High School, CAN Academy and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department participated, alongside 25 employers and community resource providers, making this one of the year's most impactful youth career events. It was a community effort to raise graduation rates, reduce dropout rates and connect students with jobs, training or further education.

The City of Fort Worth EnVision Center was on site sharing information about programs that help residents get certified, get careers and get ahead through workforce training, financial education and leadership development opportunities offered through Community Action Partners.

Exit surveys revealed strong engagement and enthusiasm among participants - most rated the event as "fire" or "solid," highlighting the quality of employers, training opportunities and the supportive atmosphere. Nearly 60% requested follow-up contact, showing that the event sparked genuine motivation to take next steps toward employment and personal growth.

Suzanne Richards, EnVision Center coordinator, reflected on the day's impact: "Seeing young people light up when they realize a future career or certification is within reach is what this work is all about. The partnerships behind Pathways to Success show that when we connect opportunity with encouragement, people become empowered to build stability and achieve financial self-sufficiency."

Following its overwhelming success, the Pathways to Success Career & Resource Fair will return in spring 2026, expanding opportunities for youth across Tarrant County to learn, connect and thrive.

Photo at top: Mayor Mattie Parker and Suzanne Richards, EnVision Center coordinator, provided encouragement for youth across Tarrant County.

Photos: The event sparked genuine motivation to take next steps toward employment and personal growth.

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