A teen from Family Pathways in Butler will take part in a remote panel discussion to air on NBC’s “TODAY Show” to close out November as National Adoption Month.

Mikel, a 17-year-old who has been placed in a permanent home awaiting adoption, will be one of the panelists appearing Monday on NBC’s long-running morning show. The panel, conducted by anchorman Hoda Kotb, will discuss the challenges of older youth adoptions.

Questions focused on his own experiences and why Mikel would encourage families to consider adopting an older youth.

Nikki Harvey and Kortney McConnell, permanency coordinators at the nonprofit Family Pathways, 100 Brugh Ave., said the “TODAY Show” invited them to select a child to speak in the segment.

Because of the COVID pandemic, the show had to come up with a virtual panel meeting, which was taped Nov. 18.

Mikel is working with Family Pathways in its Older Child Matching Initiative.

His adoption journey has included stays in Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties. He has an interest in becoming a law enforcement professional and also enjoys volunteering for the local fire department. Mikel said he currently holds down two jobs and recently obtained his driver’s license.

Family Pathways is one of five regional partners in Pennsylvania that is a host site for the Older Child Matching Initiative with the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network, a program under the state Department of Human Services.

This state and federally funded grant initiative supports professionals receiving “elite” training focused on the unique needs of older youth waiting for an adoptive home.

This is Family Pathways’ second appearance on the “TODAY Show.” In 2013, it was also invited to speak during National Adoption Month in November.