Introduction/background

Join us on an insightful journey as we (re)introduce YOJO, a transformative platform dedicated to streamlining and supercharging pathway programs. Created to address the administrative burdens faced by program staff, YOJO has evolved through community collaboration and feedback, including invaluable input from the ASPBP community. This session covers the inception and development of YOJO, emphasizing the pivotal role of stakeholder collaboration in shaping its functionality. We’ll highlight key milestones of the iterative design process that have resulted in a robust tool tailored to the specific needs of pathway program administrators. We're proud to present YOJO, a community-driven solution for bolstering STEMM pathways.
 

ASPBP Relevance

YOJO’s development has been deeply intertwined with the ASPBP community. From initial needs assessments to early demos, ASPBP has been instrumental in guiding YOJO's direction. We're excited to share how that and other feedback led to critical features that address common challenges in program management and sustainability. This session will showcase the tangible result of continuous community collaboration, demonstrating how collective input led to a powerful tool that supports our shared mission of advancing STEMM pathways. 
 

Target Population

YOJO serves the entire pathway ecosystem, including program administrators, educators, outreach coordinators, institutional leaders, researchers, learners, and anyone involved in accessing, managing, or supporting pathway programs. Whether overseeing a single program or coordinating across multiple, YOJO simplifies workflows, tracks participant progress, and collects critical data that can be leveraged for innovation and sustainability. Our target audience for this session includes those seeking to connect with learners, enhance program efficiency, and demonstrate impact through data-driven solutions. Join to learn and ADVISE on how YOJO enhances pathway programs, contributes to the broader STEMM ecosystem, and answers critical questions about pathway ROI that can lead to more innovations and investment.
 

Lessons Learned

YOJO has been a journey of learning and adaptation. We'll discuss experiences navigating technical hurdles, addressing diverse stakeholder needs, and adjusting to shifting institutional landscapes. We'll also highlight developmental accomplishments, early adopter feedback, and the exciting potential yet to be realized. Moreover, we'll share best practices for utilizing YOJO effectively for your program, institution, and learners. Most importantly, we'll get your feedback and discuss how institutions of various sizes and pathway offerings can adapt YOJO to their specific contexts while contributing to a more cohesive pathway ecosystem for all.