The following was originally published in VTDigger. 

ESSEX, NY – Since 1991, CFES Brilliant Pathways has been creating innovative ways to help underserved students become college and career ready. In celebration of its 31st anniversary, the global non-profit is launching “31 for 31” – a virtual college tour series to show students campuses they would otherwise never experience.

Mirroring ESPN’s Emmy award-winning 30 for 30 documentary film series, CFES is featuring 31 colleges and universities from across the country. The virtual tours include messages from college presidents and admissions directors, financial aid experts, students and professors with video of academic, cultural and social centers on campus.

“When COVID-19 hit we pivoted to a virtual format to reach as many students as possible,” said CFES President Rick Dalton. “Although we are back in-person in our schools across the country, we have retained and enhanced our most effective virtual offerings, highlighted by ‘31 for 31.’”

The new series represents a broad range of colleges in 15 states, including two-year community colleges, small private institutions and large public institutions like The Ohio State University. The tour kicked off not far from CFES headquarters at North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, NY,and was followed by a live tour of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and the University of Vermont on October 12 feturing Brian Gomez ’21, assistant director of admissions, and sophomore admissions intern Charlotte Singer.

In the spring, the University of Wyoming will offer an innovative tour with TikTok videos from students offering an undergraduate perspective of the scenic Laramie campus. Chaminade University in the beautiful Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu will share its array of academic offerings and stunning campus views near Waikiki beach.

CFES is continuing its tradition of taking students on in-person college visits to the 200-plus K-12 schools it serves. For a full list of the virtual tours and how to access them, check out the CFES special events page. Schools interested in joining CFES can inquire here.