Pathfolio wins Rep. Alma Adams’ Congressional App Challenge in North Carolina’s 12th District

When asked what inspired the creation of Pathfolio, the students said, “We were inspired to build Pathfolio after noticing how many of our peers, especially here in North Carolina, weren’t sure exactly what they needed to graduate. Our state’s four-year high school graduation rate was about 86% in 2024, and in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district, it was reported at about 84%. It is incredible that graduation rates are increasing, reaching all-time highs, yet we still find that 14-16% of students not graduating to be a major problem in our community, as thousands of students every year still don’t earn a diploma. 

“High school graduation is one of the biggest milestones in a student’s life. It opens up opportunities like college, trades, and careers. Studies show that people who graduate are more likely to earn higher incomes and stay employed. Also, an educated people is absolutely critical to democracy. It is important to both students and society that more students graduate.

“We’ve heard friends say things like ‘I thought I was done’ or ‘What classes count for arts or electives again?’ Even though graduation is the main goal, the path students must take to reach it can feel unclear. Some students don’t graduate because they don’t know their credit progress, and also which credits apply.

“Pathfolio was created to clear up that uncertainty and confusion. It gives students a clear, visual picture of what they’ve finished, what they still need to earn, and what steps they can take next to ensure a bright, academic future. It also connects classes with future goals so that students can see the connection between what they do each semester and where they’re headed after high school. By making the steps to graduation clearer and more understandable, Pathfolio works to help more students finish high school strong.”