Our Mission
Magnolia Project turns small town potential into economic opportunity. We support the public schools, young people and entrepreneurs shaping the future of their communities.
Our Vision
Thriving communities with vibrant economies where every young person has the clarity, confidence and capital they need to fulfill their potential.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Theory of Change
How our programs build economic opportunity
Preparing ingredients and practicing kitchen skills · Magnolia programs
Supporting children through a hands-on classroom activity · Magnolia programs
A student and mentor exploring products at a local business · Magnolia programs
Our History
How We Got Here
2022
Magnolia Project launches semester-long, school-based programming in partnership with Guerneville School District and Geyserville Unified School District.
2023
Magnolia Project receives an investment from NewSchools Venture Fund and scales into Marin County.
2024
Magnolia Project wins the Margoes Foundation Venture Philanthropy Award, a statewide prize.
2025
Magnolia Project expands its school based programming to all six rural schools in West Marin thanks to a grant from the West Marin Fund.
2026
Magnolia Project expands to Mendocino County and launches the Next Step Scholarship program.
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Theory of Change
School Based Programs: Hands-on career exposure & individualized post-high school planning.
Strengthen students’ engagement in school and motivation to graduate by helping them understand how their academic learning connects to real-world opportunities.
Young people make informed post-secondary decisions and enter meaningful careers earlier.
Next Step Scholarship: Flexible scholarships for career-focused education and training.
Accelerate young people’s entry into higher-wage jobs by directly removing the cost of education as a barrier.
Young people enter higher-wage careers earlier, have more disposable income and less debt.
Homegrown Ventures: Training, mentorship, technical assistance, and capital for entrepreneurs.
Help young entrepreneurs access the training, support, and capital they need to grow early-stage businesses, creating sustainable revenue and pathways to wealth.
Entrepreneurs build businesses, create livable-wage jobs, strengthen local economic resilience and reinvest in their communities.
Long-Term Impact: Thriving communities with vibrant economies, where young people can have meaningful careers, build wealth, and reinvest in the next generation.
