Path to College and Elsewhere

Every young person’s future can look different—and that’s exactly the point.

At Bucks Learning Cooperative, there’s no one path forward. Each of our members designs a future that reflects who they are and what they care about. Some head to college. Others dive into the workforce, launch a business, pursue internships, travel, or explore the trades. With mentoring and personalized support, BLC teens build the confidence and skills to carve their own unique paths.

Below are a few examples of the paths BLC alumni pursued after leaving. Each one shows that when young people are trusted to guide their own learning, they thrive—not just during their time at BLC, but long after.

Alumni Spotlights

These spotlights are just a small sampling of the many paths BLC alumni have taken. See a fuller list of post-high school activities on The Learning Cooperatives’ Paths Forward page.

Milo — Aspiring Physician

BLC’s flexible structure allowed Milo to pursue his deep interest in medicine. He spent time volunteering and shadowing professionals in hospital settings. After leaving BLC, he enrolled at Franklin & Marshall College, where he continued to pursue his interest in medicine.

Sophia — Salon Owner & Entrepreneur

While at BLC, Sophia pursued her passion for cosmetology through self-directed learning and independent projects. One standout project, “The Hidden Dangers of Makeup,” explored potentially harmful chemicals in beauty products. That interest turned into a career—after leaving BLC, she launched and operated her own salon, Salon Rose Co.

Adir — Entrepreneur & Property Services

Adir always enjoyed hands-on problem-solving and being out in the field. At BLC, he built skills in project management and trades work. Afterwards, he started an HVAC business with a fellow BLC alumnus and provided maintenance services for commercial properties in the area.

Phoenix — Aviation Student

Phoenix thrived in self-paced, experiential learning. The flexibility of BLC's model allowed Phoenix to take flying lessons during his high school years. After graduating from BLC, he enrolled in the Aviation Program at Mercer County Community College to continue pursuing his goal of becoming a certified commercial pilot.

Wyatt — Costuming & Theater Arts

With a love for theater and design, Wyatt spent much of his BLC time creating costumes and volunteering with local theater productions. Afterwards, he worked professionally in Princeton, designing and constructing costumes for live performances.

Recently Accepted Colleges

BLC alumni have been accepted to a wide range of colleges and universities, including:

  • Bard College
  • Bryn Mawr College
  • Franklin & Marshall College
  • James Madison University
  • Kalamazoo College
  • Penn State University
  • Rider University
  • Rowan University
  • Rutgers University
  • Temple University
  • The College of New Jersey
  • University of Chicago

Whether our teens pursue higher education, careers, or creative ventures, we help them build the skills and support systems to take the next step with confidence.