Our Solution
By connecting middle and high school students with durable skills through personalized career exploration as well as hands-on experiences alongside trusted industry mentors, the Magnolia Project engages and prepares middle and high school students for their meaningful next phase after K-12 — whether that is college, career, or another path.
Our Vision
Our Vision is that when students are supported, affirmed, and comprehensively prepared for this meaningful next phase, that they and their families, communities, and local economies will flourish around them.
Our Approach
Our approach centers student agency while connecting to educational and career goals:
Our Career Exploration and Apprenticeship Pathways - Our career exploration and apprenticeship pathways include extensive preparation for and reflection upon one’s own meaningful next phase. This includes personalized career exploration and reflection, as well as exposure to trusted mentors and to industries and careers that align with personal interests, spark excitement, and build upon their strengths.
Not A One-Size-Fits-All Solution - At Magnolia Project, the meaningful next phase is not a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it a specific pathway into which students are tracked. Our programs support all students in their exploration of their future careers, including college, career, or other path such as military or gap year. We do help students weigh the potential costs and benefits of their choices, but we do not sort or track students based on their future plans, nor do we pre-select experiences for students or otherwise attempt to influence students’ meaningful next phases.
Meaningful Next Phase - At the end of their program experience, all Magnolia Project students complete a plan for their meaningful next phase. This plan is shared with teachers, guidance counselors, administrators and family members so that everyone is on the same page about student’s future dreams and desires, and can work together to support them.
