Meet our New Generation Next Coordinator, Ariel Pagan

Ariel Pagan, originally from New York City, found a home in the Poconos seven years ago. With a two-decade dedication to guiding students, Ariel has worked extensively in New York City, Rochester, and now…Pennsylvania! His passion lies in empowering teenagers to navigate the challenges of adolescence and fostering their growth into well-adjusted adults.

As the Generation Next Coordinator for Pocono Mountains United Way, Ariel’s mission is to help students at Pocono Mountain West H.S. discover their ideal college paths, while also extending this program to other local high schools.

Beyond his professional role, Ariel enjoys coaching his son in baseball, indulging in gripping streaming shows, and cherishing weekly dates with his 9-year-old daughter.

Welcome to the PMUW Team Ariel!

Generation Next Moving Into a New School Year

Generation Next will soon begin a new school year at Pocono Mountain West High School. PMUW is actively recruiting students for the upcoming school year and anticipate a total of 60 students. Generation Next is a college preparation program that guides students, who have been historically impacted by disparities in education, to build a successful path to college. The program, which began in September 2022, is preparing first-generation college students for life after high school, not just academically and financially, but also emotionally and socially.

Summer College Tour Update: A group of rising seniors had the opportunity to visit the Penn State campus in August.  Students, along with their chaperones, enjoyed lunch in the Pollock Dining Commons, received a private admissions presentation, and embarked on a university-led campus tour. After fully exploring the campus, the Generation Next students finished their warm summer day visiting campus with a stop at Berkey Creamery for some much deserved ice cream! When asked on the bus ride home, 57% of students shared they are interested in applying to Penn State University.