Since its opening in 2017, Pathways High (PH), a charter high school authorized by UW-Milwaukee, has been a pioneer in real-world, project-based learning that supports the development of strong communication and STEM skills, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and networking skills.

PH’s real-world tech seminars provide students with hands-on experience working with high-demand programming languages through Mastery Coding and advanced manufacturing tools like the FANUC Robotic arm, FANUC CNC Simulator, and Amatrol Skill Boss. Over four years at PH, students are able to expand their mastery of multiple programming languages and earn technical certifications, including multiple Unity programming certifications.

As opportunity lies at the intersection of what you know and who you know, PH students connect with a minimum of 9 industry/community leaders each year through interdisciplinary seminars, student exhibitions, industry conferences, and the evaluation of their mastery defense.

Two PH students will be showcasing their mastery defense projects at the 2025 sySTEMnow Generation STEM Display.

Pathways High is committed to providing rich STEM opportunities to all PH students, regardless of their prior experience or socioeconomic status. Evidence of this commitment is the tripling of STEM seminars offered every trimester – nine STEM seminars each year, a big number for a small school. These seminars include Computer Programming, STEM Project Studio, Game Theory, Data Analytics, Drones, and Robotics.

PH students are programming in Unity, Python, and JavaScript; building terrestrial and underwater (Sea Perch) robots and drones; and preparing for the Unity, FANUC, and MSSC certifications. Furthermore, over the past four years, students have participated in regional STEM competitions such as the Engineering Machine Design contest and the Sea Perch competition.

They have won awards including, “Most Creative Use of Materials” and “Mission Course Champion.”  The impact of PH’s real-world learning model is seen in the “STEM Project Studio” seminar where students strengthen their project management skills while pursuing advanced standards in design thinking, STEM engineering, and computer programming.

One student in this seminar constructed a functioning 3D printer by 3D printing the frame and integrating the electrical components and presented his work to a panel of school and external evaluators to defend a mastery STEM standard in Advanced Technology Integration. The student consulted with outside experts and learned about certifications he could earn that would jump-start his STEM career post high school.

Also, in spring 2026, PH will be offering a mechatronics seminar in partnership with NC3. These and other real-world connections are instrumental in opening doors to STEM career pathways for Pathways High students.