Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program

Research shows that early and continuous career exploration increases student motivation, engagement, and long-term success. By starting in middle school and continuing through high school, students can:

• Explore their interests broadly and deeply
• Build real-world skills through hands-on activities
• Gain exposure to diverse industries and mentors
• Access equitable career-connected learning opportunities

Award-winning schools will nominate two leaders who become Fellows. The Fellowship is a 9 month long professional accelerator offering:

• Peer learning and coaching in a national cohort
• An annual in-person retreat and funded conference attendance
• Pro bono support services (e.g., financial modeling, facilities planning)
• Mentorship from an Advisory Council of education, workforce, and innovation experts
• Monthly virtual workshops and webinars
• Access to an Alumni Community of Fellows that will build over time

All K–12 school types including public, charter, and private schools are eligible to apply if they:

• Have been in operation for at least two years
• Offer a career exploration and discovery program serving students in middle and/or high school.
• Serve at least 50% under-resourced or underrepresented students (e.g., low socioeconomic status, students of color, students with special needs)

Once the application window closes, applications and artifacts are evaluated on:

• Breadth & Depth of Career Discovery program
• Real-World Skill-Building & Applied Learning
• Industry Engagement & Mentorship
• Whole-School Integration & Sustainability
• Serving Underserved Communities