Goals
Through the Pathways program, Dali Institute strives to enhance students’ academic ability and research skills. To achieve this mission, the Institute’s Pathways program is focused on improving or developing:

• Research and development to enhance students’ practical and professional skills
• A supportive environment for students to learn English and improve their Mandarin skills
• Counseling for Pathways students
• Basic computer training centers

Target Population
Low-income students constitute about 35% of the Institute’s students, of which 80% are ethnic minorities, such as the Miaos, Bais, Yis, and Naxis.

Outcomes
Through the Pathways program, Dali Institute has:

• Facilitated students’ academic development by inviting guest speakers to give lectures on relevant research issues and enabling students to conduct research. The research is conducted by Pathways student teams to support and grow their research capacity.
• Strengthened students’ professional and practical skills by developing computer skills training centers which provide students with free computer and internet access.  The centers have trained more than 250 students each year.
• Expanded its mental health services, forming a team of counselors to provide Pathways students with services ranging from interpersonal relationship counseling to career planning. Over 200 students have received direct counseling, while 2,000 students have benefited from additional services such as seminars, all of which helped students stay and succeed in the Institute.