Our Story
Creating Pathways, Opening Doors
In New York City, where access to high-quality education often depends on zip code, resources, and opportunity, one thing remains true: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.
Navigate the Maze to Achievement (Navigate) was founded to bridge this gap—to ensure that Black and Latino students have the academic preparation, mentorship, and support they need to thrive in competitive educational spaces.
What started as an initiative to help students access specialized high schools has grown into a comprehensive support system that follows students from middle school to college and beyond.
How It Started
Navigate began in 2016 with just 14 students and a single room at the Brooklyn Public Library – Macon Branch. Armed with a vision and a deep commitment to equity, we set out to prepare students for NYC’s specialized and high-performing high schools—schools where Black and Latino students have historically been underrepresented.
We saw a troubling pattern—students weren’t being taught the necessary concepts in time for admissions exams. It wasn’t a question of ability; it was a question of access to preparation. Navigate stepped in to ensure the students had the tools they needed to succeed.
Today, we’ve grown to serve over 270 students across multiple programs that support them from middle school through college.
Why It Matters
Our students are breaking barriers—excelling in competitive schools, becoming leaders in their communities, and proving that representation matters in spaces where Black and Latino students have historically been underrepresented.
With each success story, we are not just changing individual lives—we are reshaping educational equity in New York City.
And we’re just getting started.
Our Vision
We envision a future where all students, regardless of race or socioeconomic background, have equitable access to high-quality education and the resources needed to realize their full potential. Through rigorous academic preparation, mentorship, and continuous support, we aim to build a generation of leaders who will transform their communities and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
Our Journey
2016
Navigate the Maze to Achievement was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
2018
Our first cohort was accepted into high school: three students to Brooklyn Tech and one to Brooklyn Latin.
2017
Our first cohort of 14 students launched at the Brooklyn Public Library – Macon Branch.
2020
Quickly adapted to an online learning model in response to the pandemic—this virtual format continues to support some students today.
2019
Expanded to Staten Island and the Bronx, broadening access by welcoming Latino students into the program. We also launched our SAT Program to support college readiness.
2022
A major milestone: Our first cohort started college! Students were accepted into institutions such as Morehouse, Spelman, and N.C. A&T.
2021
Expanded academic and social support, increasing high school success for our students.
2023
Started our College Access Program to provide guidance and support for students as they navigate the college admissions process.
2024
Started our Middle School Access Program, which officially launches in 2025 to provide academic enrichment for fifth graders seeking admission to gifted & talented middle schools in District 21.
Our Results
High School
Percentage of Navigators vs NYC SHSAT Testers Who Received Offers to a Specialized High School (by race)
*Percentage calculated by dividing the total number of offers per race by the total number of testers for that given race.
OUR STUDENTS ATTEND…
Specialized High Schools
• Bronx Science • Brooklyn Latin • Brooklyn Tech • HSMSE • LaGuardia • Queens Science • Staten Island Tech • Stuyvesant
Selective High Schools
• Academy of Finance and Enterprise • Bard - Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan & Queens • Baruch College Campus High School • Beacon • Brooklyn College Academy • H.S. for C.T.E.A. • High School of Health Professions and Human Services • Leon M. Goldstein • Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics • Medgar Evers • Midwood • Millennium - Brooklyn & Manhattan • NEST+m • The NYC iSchool
College Results
OUR STUDENTS ATTEND…
• American University • Binghamton University • Case Western Reserve University • Drexel University • Georgia State University • Hampton University • Howard University • Hunter College - Roosevelt Scholars Program • Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• Ithaca College • Lehigh University • Morehouse College • N.C. A&T State University • Pace University • Princeton University • Rutgers University • University at Albany • Wesleyan University • Johnson & Wales University - Rhode Island
Jalen’s Story
Jalen embodies ambition and high achievement. His focus and dedication to our program and his education have been consistent since he entered. He has taken advantage of all of Navigate’s resources and is steadfast on his pathway. Below are just some of Jalen’s academic and professional accomplishments at Morehouse College:
Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program – Morehouse College
Howard Thurman Honors Program – Morehouse College Incoming Sales and Trading Summer Analyst – Goldman Sachs New York CIty
Sales and Trading Summer Analyst Intern – Bank of America
Wharton-Institute Scholar – AltFinance
Summer Banking Institute Intern – U.S. Bank
Navigate deserves much credit for the lasting impact it has had on Black and Brown students in NYC. The habits we formed, the networks we built, and the standard we were expected to set as the first cohort continue to open doors. Because of this foundation, we have been awarded scholarships, gained employment opportunities, and more. I am extremely grateful for this family.
Jalen Williams
Brooklyn Tech ‘22, Morehouse College ‘26