By 2031, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require postsecondary education or training.

There are 8.2 million first generation undergraduates students; 54% of all undergrads in the U.S.

First-generation students graduate at a rate of 24% versus 59% for continuing-generation students.

Wendell Scales Jr. works at the intersection of social innovation, youth development, and educational outreach. His research priority area centers on equity-focused pathway systems that connect career-connected learning (CCL) to postsecondary access and success, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students.

Wendell designs and scales pathway programs that strengthen educator development and early exposure. He led the development of Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools’ first Junior MANRRS Chapter, which was the first JR MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) chapter in Arkansas. His work includes building K–12 agricultural science and technology STEAM initiatives, scholarships, and workforce-aligned experiences that improve student success and talent pathway outcomes. He has also developed strategies to expand Farm to School efforts and advance equitable food system practices.

As a second-year Ph.D. student, Wendell has multiple publications and has supported $500K+ in USDA-NIFA funding to expand first-generation scholarships and JR MANRRS programming across Arkansas. His college access advising strategy has produced measurable outcomes, including $21M+ in scholarship awards/offers, 95%+ FAFSA completion, and 99% graduation. He currently serves as a Higher Education Workforce Innovation consultant and co-advisor for the University of Arkansas MANRRS chapter in Fayetteville, Arkansas.