PACS Students Build Real-World Skills With CNX’s Mentorship Academy

At Passport Academy Charter School (PACS), every student’s journey is unique—and so is their path to success. Whether students are balancing a full-time job, helping to support their families or simply looking for a learning environment that fits who they are, PACS provides the flexibility and individualized support to help them graduate high school. Now, through a powerful partnership with the CNX Mentorship Academy, PACS students are taking their learning beyond the classroom and into the world.

The mission of the school is simple: to help students earn their high school diploma and prepare for life after graduation, whether that’s college, vocational school, or a career that matches their passions. With tuition-free education and guidance from Pennsylvania-certified teachers, PACS students build a foundation for lasting success.

The Mentorship Academy, an initiative of the CNX Foundation, connects 11th and 12th grade students from across Western Pennsylvania with opportunities to explore careers, build leadership skills and learn from local business and community leaders. The program helps young people see what’s possible for their futures and equips them with the resources to pursue it. According to Shani Yeldell, Psy.D., Community Relations Manager of the Mentorship Academy, every student who participates gains a dedicated team committed to their individual success. 

“We walk alongside them throughout their journey, providing guidance, resources, and encouragement to ensure they have every opportunity to thrive. We do everything possible to help them win,” Yeldell said. 

The Mentorship Academy is built on three core principles: career exploration, career preparation, and career connection. Its primary goal is to connect young people to careers that provide family-sustaining wages. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on exposure to diverse industries, while receiving personalized mentorship to develop essential skills, build confidence, and create the documentation needed to become competitive candidates for their chosen careers.

According to PACS student Asa Garland, the experience is extremely rewarding. "I've really enjoyed my experience learning about what it takes to be a great employee. We are learning not only what it takes to get a job, but how to keep the job and make it a career!"

This year, six PACS students are taking part in the CNX Mentorship Academy, including two returning participants and four new students. Through hands-on experiences, workshops and direct connections with mentors in a variety of industries, they’re gaining insight into what it takes to succeed in today’s workforce. Individualized mentorship means students’ strengths and areas for growth can be recognized, and the Mentorship Academy also works to remove barriers to success, including navigating obtaining government documentation and building self-confidence. 

"This is my first year participating in the Mentorship Academy," said PACS student Derico Rainey. "My principal encouraged me because it could help be experience various careers in our region. The site visits have been interesting so far and I'm very curious about the opportunities in the oil and gas industry."

For PACS students, this partnership goes far beyond mentorship and represents ​ a bridge between education and opportunity. By combining PACS’ personalized academic approach with CNX’s real-world career pathways, students are earning their diplomas and discovering their purpose.

“At PACS, we believe that no matter what’s gotten in your way, your goals are still within reach,” said Joe Oliphant, PACS principal. “Through community partnerships like this one, we’re helping students turn those goals into reality.”