Charger Pathways Impact Program: Columbia State & Maury County Public Schools
A Federal Rural Postsecondary Economic Development Grant Program
About the program:
The Charger Pathways Impact Program serves Maury County Public Schools by placing college and career success coaches in high schools to assist students with career development by utilizing structured pathways and individualized student plans. Grant staff will assist students with enrolling in dual enrollment courses and plan opportunities for students to participate in summits, college visits, and career exploration.
Where?
Battle Creek High School
Columbia Central High School
Culleoka Unit School
Hampshire Unit School
Mt. Pleasant High School
Santa Fe Unit School
Spring Hill High School
Virtual School
Columbia State Community College
Our Three ExPs: ExPloration, ExPosures & ExPeriences
ExPloration & Planning: Success Coaches will meet with 11th and 12th grade students to develop and maintain an individual career and college success plan.
Career & College ExPosures: Success Coaches will interact with 10th-12th graders to help them think about their next steps after high school by planning and providing early exposures to career and colleges.
Early Postsecondary ExPeriences: Charger Pathways will offer college and career success courses at each high school and assist students in enrolling and participating in local early postsecondary opportunities like dual enrollment and middle college.
Meet The Staff
Erin Marks, Director
Erin, her husband, and four children live in Lincoln County, TN. She has served as a school counselor for over 14 years. Currently, she is finishing up a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership through the University of the Cumberlands. Erin is passionate about helping students prepare for their lives after high school and removing potential barriers. She believes with a good plan, education can open doors that students never dreamed possible. Erin looks forward to working with the students and families of Maury County Schools through the Columbia State Community College Charger Pathway Impact Program.
Serves: Culleoka Unit School
Allison Graff, Success Coach
Ally recently moved back to Middle Tennessee from Cleveland, Ohio with her boyfriend Alex and two dogs. While in Ohio, she worked in Student Life at a boarding high school with students from all over the world. Before that, she worked in Nashville helping young adults find education and employment through the YouthCan program. She looks forward to starting this new chapter with the Charger Pathway Impact program through Columiba State Community College. She loves working with youth and young adults, and is very excited to continue helping students and families achieve their goals.
Serves: Spring Hill High School
Sarah Smith, Success Coach
Sarah has been employed with Columbia State since 2023. She resides in Lawrence County, TN where she previously served Lawrence County Schools for 15 years. She is a Columbia State alumna and she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Tennessee Technological University (TTU). She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Strategic Leadership through TTU's MPS program. Sarah is a first-generation college graduate and a life-long learner who believes that education creates boundless opportunities. She is excited for the chance to serve Maury County High School students and assist with their plans to achieve post-secondary goals.
Serves: Hampshire, Mt. Pleasant, Santa Fe, Academy & Virtual School
Danielle Murrillo, Success Coach
Danielle and her husband recently moved to Tennessee and are loving it. While in California, she received a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and in a few month will obtain a master's degree in Community College Counseling. She previously worked with elementary students and is thrilled to be a part of the Columbia State Community College family as a Success Coach through the Charger Pathway Impact Program. She looks forward to what the future holds.
Serves: Columbia Central High School
Questions? Contact the staff at ChargerPathways@ColumbiaState.edu