Pathways Program | Mercy High School Burlingame

Mercy students fine-tune their robot for a Robotics competition

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Pursue Your Passions

Our Pathways Program offers Mercy students intentionally designed tracks that nurture their passions and career interests and offer discovery and insight into the fields that inspire them.

Lead with Courage, Confidence, and Curiosity

It’s our job to know the data impacting young women, and the data shows that women continue to be underrepresented in far too many fields of study and leadership roles. Our Pathways Program was developed in 2022 to change that narrative by encouraging Mercy students to explore their passions and engage deeply in fields that inspire them. Each Pathway is uniquely designed to integrate academic coursework, leadership development, co-curricular activities, capstone projects, and mentorship opportunities, empowering students to connect their learning to real-world experiences and lead with confidence, courage, and curiosity.

A young woman in a uniform stands at a podium in a large room and gives a presentation with slides displayed.

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Hallmarks of Mercy's Pathways Program

Curriculum

Experiences

Speakers

Projects

Professional Preparation

Mentorship

Research shows that mentorship by women and for women is critical to growth and learning- Mentorship is central to the Pathways experience. During junior and senior years, students are paired with mentors in their chosen fields- many of them accomplished women who model leadership, resilience, and purpose. These relationships provide invaluable perspective and guidance, helping students clarify their goals.

Capstone Project

In senior year, Pathways scholars complete a Capstone Project that reflects their passions, curiosity, and personal growth. Many capstones include mentorship or internship experiences, allowing students to apply their learning, demonstrate their leadership, and showcase the skills that will carry them beyond Mercy.
Recent Capstone topics include:
* Reducing ocean acidification to protect coral reefs
* Advancing wound care treatments
* Innovating medication delivery for hemophiliacs
* Exploring human experience through art
* Comparing global education systems and their impacts
* Sustainable materials and efficient systems supporting LEED certification and long-term sustainability.

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Explore Our Pathways

Students may choose to apply to one of the following Pathways:

Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Introduces students to the expanding fields of biotechnology, health sciences, and medical research. Students gain foundational knowledge, relevant laboratory skills, and confidence to pursue careers in healthcare, research, and related industries.

Creative Arts and Design

Encourages students to explore creative expression through visual arts, design, media, and performance, while connecting artistic practice to real-world applications

Engineering

Provides students with opportunities to explore engineering concepts and problem-solving techniques. Students are empowered to pursue innovation and gain confidence in a field that remains male-dominated.

Political Science and International Relations

Prepares students interested in politics, diplomacy, and global affairs. Students gain skills in research, debate, and leadership, with opportunities to engage in real-world discussions on international issues.

Leadership

Offers students practical experience in key leadership roles both at Mercy and beyond. Students learn how to lead with confidence in spaces where women have historically been underrepresented.

Women’s Studies

An interdisciplinary Pathway exploring the social, cultural, and political experiences of women. Students study history, literature, psychology, and policy while examining issues of equity and justice. This Pathway also focuses on empowering students to uplift women in marginalized communities.

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The Impact

Increased self-confidence

Mercy empowers students to challenge expectations in fields such as STEM and leadership that have historically been male-dominated. In leaning courageously into the opportunities presented to them, our students grow tremendously in their confidence and find steadiness in their leadership and voice.

Increased curiosity

Pathways students engage in problem-based learning and collaborative projects within a supportive environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and risk-taking. Through this process, students develop an appreciation for learning and an openness to discovery.

Increased awareness of passions

The Pathways Program is designed to deepen each student’s educational journey by helping her identify and pursue what inspires her most. Whether a student remains in her original pathway or discovers a new direction, every experience becomes a stepping stone toward helping her uncover what she is meant to do and how she will give back to the world.