People in Auckland will soon have the opportunity to participate in an educational program that helps students to bridge from their current situation into tertiary study.
Representatives of Brigham Young University—Idaho’s “Pathway Program” and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the pilot program at a meeting in Auckland on 17 November 2013. Approximately 300 people attended the meeting.
- J. D. Griffith, BYU-Idaho Pathway Managing Director
- J. D. Griffith, left, BYU-Idaho 'Pathway' Managing Director
- J. D. Griffith, right, BYU-Idaho 'Pathway' Managing Director
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Brigham Young University—Idaho is one of three BYU campuses, all owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“The BYU—Idaho Pathway program offers Church members opportunities to earn a degree through on-line courses and group learning,” J. D. Griffith, Pathway Managing Director, told those attending the Auckland meeting.
The program was developed for anyone who has not yet earned a tertiary qualification and who is not already enrolled in a university or college.
“We have developed the Pathway program to help students who have obstacles preventing them from attending college,” said Mr Griffith. “Such obstacles may include fear, finances, family traditions, poor grades, busy schedules, and college admission standards. The program eliminates many of these obstacles.”
In addition to online classes, students are required to gather in small groups at least once a week where they receive support from each other and from volunteer missionary couples.
“There is never a better time to get your education than right now,” Elder David J. Thomson, a Church leader from Hamilton, New Zealand, told the audience.
“Be the best person you can be. Take the opportunity presented to you to get your education.”
Education volunteer in the program, Elder John Dougall, said, “The BYU—Idaho Pathway program offers the opportunity to study online in a user-friendly, gospel-centered environment that allows learning by study and also by faith.”
Pathway has soared from three pilot programs in 2009 to 85 today from Alaska to South Africa.
More than 6,000 students have been touched by a Pathway experience so far.