The Pando Way
The Pando Way guides how Pando supports students through five core areas of need: financial literacy, academics, individualized support, social-emotional learning, and basic needs.
Support works better when it stays connected
Students rarely need support in just one area. A student may need academic help, practical resources, emotional support, basic needs, or guidance for life beyond school. The Pando Way helps connect those needs into one clear approach so students and families have a partner at every step.
Instead of treating programs as separate pieces, The Pando Way shows how Pando’s work fits together around the whole student.
The Pando Way in action
Each pillar helps address a different part of what students need to stay connected and keep moving forward.
The Pando Way is guided by five pillars that reflect the real needs students and families face. Together, these pillars help Pando support students academically, emotionally, practically, and personally.
Financial literacy
Helping students build real-world money skills, understand financial decisions, and prepare for life beyond the classroom.
Academic Support
Supporting learning, skill-building, confidence, and school progress so students can stay engaged and keep moving forward.
Individualized Student Support
Meeting students where they are with practical guidance, trusted relationships, and support shaped around their specific situation.
Social-emotional learning
Helping students build confidence, communication, emotional awareness, and healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Fulfillment of Basic Needs
Addressing barriers like food, hygiene items, supplies, and other essentials so students can participate more fully in school and life.
Three program paths, one shared framework
The five pillars guide the work across Pando’s three program paths. Each program meets students at a different stage, but all three are connected by the same commitment: helping students find the support they need and stay connected over time.
Pando Kids
Student Support Advocates work in 30 Sedgwick County schools to help students overcome academic and non-academic barriers.
Pando Next Gen
High school students, graduates, and alumni can return for scholarships, books, basic needs, and other next-step support.
Reality U
Powered by Pando, this hands-on experience helps middle and high school students practice personal finance and see how today's choices shape their future.
What the Pando Way looks like in Students' Lives
The Pando Way is not just a framework. It shows up in the everyday ways students are supported: a resource at the right moment, a trusted adult at school, a practical learning experience, or help finding the next step after graduation.
See Impact StoriesWhen a student is falling behind
Academic support and individualized guidance can help them catch up, communicate with teachers, and rebuild momentum.
When a family needs practical help
Basic needs support can reduce barriers so students can participate more fully in school.
When students are preparing for adulthood
Financial literacy and real-world readiness help students understand choices, responsibilities, and future opportunities.
When a student feels disconnected
Social-emotional support and trusted relationships can help students feel seen, safe, and part of the school community.
A clearer way to see the work
For schools, districts, funders, and community partners, The Pando Way creates a clear picture of how Pando’s work connects. It shows what needs are being addressed, how programs relate to one another, and why continued support matters across school years and life stages.
This shared framework helps partners understand the full scope of the work without reducing students to a single program, number, or moment of need.
