By Dr. Dikla Mashiah
The UDC PATHS Program is a training and education initiative developed for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) customers by the D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) in partnership with the University of the District of Columbia’s School of Business and Public Administration. For more than two decades, PATHS has provided families across Washington, D.C. with the tools and support needed to pursue education, training and long-term stability.
On Oct. 1, 2025, the program will close, marking the end of an era that changed countless lives. For many African-American families, especially single mothers, PATHS was not just about meeting TANF requirements. It was about breaking generational cycles of poverty through opportunity, guidance and empowerment. The majority of participants were African American from underserved communities, highlighting PATHS’ impact in promoting equity in the District.
Since its founding over 20 years ago, the UDC PATHS Program has served thousands of TANF participants each year, helping them move from welfare dependency to self-sufficiency. The fact that PATHS was housed at UDC, an historically Black university, added special significance to the program. It not only represented a commitment to education but also reflected UDC’s mission to serve the District by providing access to education for all residents, particularly those who have been historically underserved. The PATHS Program became an integral part of this proud tradition, reinforcing the idea that opportunities must be both accessible and equitable.
The UDC PATHS program gave parents access to GED programs, college degrees and vocational training. Just as critically, it offered the supports that make success possible: childcare referrals, weekly case management and stipends that allowed families to balance education with everyday responsibilities.
Over the years, I have watched families move from despair to determination. I have seen children clap proudly for their parents at graduation ceremonies, learning that success is something they too can achieve. These moments captured the true power of the UDC PATHS Program, instilling confidence and opening doors to brighter futures.
The program ends due to funding, but its community legacy remains. PATHS has proven that when we invest in education and opportunity, we build stronger families and stronger communities.
As DHS transitions families to other options, my hope is that the District continues to honor this truth: our communities thrive when parents are supported, empowered and believed in.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.