Welcome 11th Grade!
Junior Year
11th Grade Action Plan
As a junior, this year is an opportunity to challenge yourself academically and really sharpen your professional skills. You will learn more about the college search process and begin to narrow your college choices. This year is also a chance to gain more exposure and experience in your future field of interest. You will also have the chance to mentor underclassmen as they begin their Crossroads journey.
view action planJunior Programs
Junior Programs
S.P.I.C.E
Scholars Participating in Career Exploration. As rising juniors, scholars register for individualized career enrichment programs of their choosing. These summer programs range from multi-day career-specific workshops to week-long residency programs at colleges or universities, and Crossroads staff carefully approve each program based on the value of its career preparation and exposure components.
Rising Junior Career Days
Over the summer, scholars also participate in Rising Junior Career Days, which is an opportunity to learn even more about the many career opportunities that exist right here in the Pittsburgh area. These days are themed around several industries, including real estate, finance/business, the nonprofit sector, the world of media, and public service.
ACT/SAT Preparation Classes
Crossroads offers free ACT/SAT preparation courses throughout the academic year to all juniors to optimize scholars’ chances of admission into the college and university of their choice. Classes occur weekly during the spring semester and include a monthly Saturday practice test.
College Workshops
Junior scholars and their parents attend three college workshops during the academic year to prepare them for the college search and application process. These workshops cover the following topics: college search resources and methods, the importance of college entrance exams, resume-building, choosing a major, and identifying your “ideal college fit.”
Learn, Empower, Advocate, Discover
Upperclassmen scholars have the opportunity to apply to Crossroads' LEAD program, where they build on their talents and strengths while developing strong leadership skills. LEAD projects and initiatives include planning events for other scholars, facilitating programs for underclassmen, and representing Crossroads to board members, donors, and the community.
Professional Mentoring
This program pairs scholars with a Professional Mentor, someone who offers guidance, support, encouragement as scholars begin to determine their college and career goals. As scholars connect with local professionals who share similar interests, they learn more about professional opportunities and continue the “mentoring lifecycle.”
Crossroads Internship
A small cohort of Crossroads Scholars have the opportunity to participate in the Crossroads Internship Program. If accepted, scholars engage in meaningful and skill-building paid summer internships with businesses across the city. This competitive program allows scholars to learn relevant job skills and gain real-world professional experience.
Targeted College Tours
Crossroads requires each scholar to visit at least six colleges or universities prior to high school graduation. Scholars may tour colleges independently or participate in group visits facilitated by our organization, which includes at least three coordinated on a yearly basis.
Alumni Spotlight
“Being a Crossroads scholar meant that I always had a shoulder to lean on during high school. I had guidance academically and in my college search. The opportunities that I found through Crossroads allowed me to find my own path and establish what is meaningful to me.”