School Based Programs.

Helping students discover their strengths, explore meaningful careers, and build a plan for what comes next.

What

Magnolia Project’s semester-long, hands-on Career Explorations and Career Catalyst programs connect 7th–12th grade public school students with new industries, educational and career pathways, and caring local mentors, strengthening academic engagement, incentivizing attendance and connecting learning to economic opportunity

How

Over the course of one semester, students build career readiness skills through Common Core-aligned lessons, a professional interview with a mentor, and a week-long hands-on project led by trained, compensated mentors from local businesses. Students explore postsecondary pathways through engagement with representatives from two- and four-year colleges, union apprenticeship programs, and other certification programs, reflect on what they’ve learned and develop an individualized plan for life after high school.

Impact

Middle and high schoolers develop a greater understanding of their strengths, educational and career interests, a stronger recognition of the connection between academic work and economic opportunity, gain confidence navigating professional settings, and make informed decisions about their future, reducing the time and money wasted pursuing pathways not aligned with their passions or goals.

Hands-on learning · Spring 2026

99%

of students reported new or different career interests after participating in a Magnolia Project program.

89%

of students felt more confident setting goals for their own learning after participating in Magnolia Project.