A few words
About Us
History
Our story
The Little Girl Who Found Her Voice
Once upon a time, in a small neighborhood filled with noise but not always love, there lived a quiet little girl named Andrea. She had big eyes, big dreams, and a heart full of thoughts—but no one seemed to notice. She’d sit in classrooms, at family gatherings, even in church pews, just listening, watching, waiting. Grown folks talked right over her, and the louder kids? They got all the shine. Andrea learned early how to blend in, how to be “the good one,” the one who didn’t cause trouble. But deep down, she was bursting with questions, ideas, and a voice that was just aching to be heard.
Then one day, everything changed. A kind, older woman with soft hands and a knowing smile sat down next to Andrea after school. She didn’t come with a clipboard or an agenda. She just asked, “What do you think?” And baby, that was the first time anyone had asked Andrea that. The little girl blinked. She didn’t know if she should answer—but the lady waited. And so, slowly at first, Andrea began to speak. Week after week, this little lady—Miss Helen—kept showing up. Listening. Encouraging. Pouring into her with a quiet strength that said, “You matter. You’re brilliant. Keep going.” This was true mentorship.
That little girl grew up. And today, we know her as Dr. Andrea Blue—a woman who now spends her life doing for others what Miss Helen once did for her. She sees the quiet ones. The forgotten ones. The ones with dreams too heavy for their little hands. She listens. She mentors. She builds bridges for young people to walk across toward their purpose. Because when someone sees your light before you do? That’s when miracles start.
Our History and Story:
Blue Pathways Educational Mentorship Services was founded in 2022 with a clear mission: to provide meaningful opportunities for young adults aged 14-24 to build skills, gain experience, and find pathways to success in industries that are essential to the growth of our communities. Our founders, inspired by a vision of second chances, understood the power of guidance, mentorship, and practical experience in shaping the futures of young individuals.
In the beginning, Blue Pathways was focused on addressing the growing need for workforce development in underserved communities across Michigan. We identified gaps in education and employment readiness for youth, particularly those who had faced challenges such as aging out of foster care, homelessness, or legal obstacles. This realization fueled the creation of the One Choice Leadership Program, designed to equip participants with the tools they needed to succeed in the workforce, start their own businesses, or pursue further education.
From its early days, Blue Pathways worked closely with local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to create a network of support for our youth. Our team collaborated with mentors and professionals across various industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, technology, retail, and more. We believed that every young person had the potential to lead, create, and contribute—no matter their background or past experiences.
As the program grew, so did its impact. In just a few years, we expanded our offerings to include specialized classes in culinary arts, business development, job readiness, and entrepreneurship. By 2024, Blue Pathways had become a trusted partner for local schools, community organizations, and businesses looking to invest in the next generation of leaders. We saw firsthand the transformation in the youth we worked with—more young adults graduating, entering the workforce with confidence, and launching their own businesses.
We also recognize that these youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide them with more than just a job skill, but a sense of purpose, empowerment, and possibility.
Through our commitment to second chances, Blue Pathways is proud to be a part of this growing movement. We remain focused on providing youth with opportunities in key industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, skilled trades, healthcare, and technology—fields that provide not only sustainable employment but also the foundation for lifelong careers.
At Blue Pathways, we believe that every path is unique, and that every person deserves the chance to create their own future. We’re here to provide that pathway, one choice at a time.
About Blue Pathways:
At Blue Pathways Educational Mentorship Services, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of Black youth by providing leadership workforce training and development. Our mission is to connect youth ages 14-24 with local businesses and nonprofits, equipping them with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the workforce while helping businesses strengthen their sustainability and legacy.
We focus on youth from underserved communities in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Flint, Baldwin, and Detroit, MI, with a particular emphasis on those who are aged out of foster care, homeless, or at risk. By fostering collaboration between businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions, we aim to provide mentorship that leads to tangible opportunities for career growth and personal development.
Our approach is holistic, recognizing the importance of including parents and guardians in the support process. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and tailored training programs, we help youth build confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. We are committed to helping businesses grow and thrive by creating long-lasting connections that allow both youth and organizations to flourish.
Our Vision
To create sustainable pathways for Black youth, ensuring they are empowered to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and workforce-ready individuals who positively impact their communities and beyond.
Our Values
- Empowerment: We believe in the inherent potential of youth and the transformative power of education and mentorship.
- Sustainability: Our goal is to build lasting partnerships that help businesses and youth thrive long-term.
- Community: We foster an inclusive, supportive environment where businesses, families, and individuals collaborate to make a meaningful difference.
Our Goals
- Youth Empowerment: Equip youth with the skills and experiences they need to lead in the workforce.
- Business Sustainability: Strengthen local businesses through mentorship and workforce training, reducing the risk of closures.
- Holistic Support: Engage parents and guardians in the journey, ensuring a supportive ecosystem for each youth.
Achievements
- Hundreds of Youth Impacted: Successfully provided leadership training and mentorship to over 300 youth, helping them secure internships, apprenticeships, and part-time jobs with local businesses.
- Business Growth: Assisted 50+ local businesses in creating sustainable practices through youth engagement, improving productivity, and enhancing workforce readiness.
- Community Partnerships: Developed strong partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community leaders, ensuring youth have access to comprehensive support systems.
- Educational Opportunities: Facilitated scholarships and job placement programs, enabling youth to pursue higher education and career advancement.
- Parent & Guardian Engagement: Engaged over 200 families in our mentorship programs, creating a unified support system for youth success.
Come work with us
- Local Business Employment – Work with partnered businesses in various roles (customer service, retail, food service, etc.).
- Business Incubator Participant – Start or grow your own business with mentorship, structured training, and networking.
- Blue Bird Virtual Assistant/Call Center Representative – Remote role handling administrative tasks, scheduling, marketing, and client outreach.
- Intern – Gain hands-on experience in business operations, event planning, marketing, and leadership.
- Certified Sous Chef/Event Personnel – Assist with catering, food prep, and event execution for Power of the Tongue Catering.
- Marketer/Promoter – Focus on brand awareness, social media marketing, and filling our calendar with clients and events.
- Event Volunteer (Community Service Opportunity) – Support events by assisting with setup, coordination, and customer service.