Ten Finalists Named for Future Forward Schools Prize Recognizing Innovative Career Exploration
In an era where career readiness is essential for students, the Future Forward Schools Prize, launched by Building Hope in partnership with Britebound, is here to honor schools that are making strides in integrating innovative and effective career exploration practices. Announced on March 17, 2026, the ten finalists exemplify forward-thinking educational models that align learning experiences with career aspirations, targeted particularly at middle and high school students.
The initiative aims to address a critical gap in education, emphasizing that career exploration should begin long before a student reaches their senior year of high school. With the understanding that formative years play a crucial role in career decision-making, the Prize seeks to ensure that students gain insights into their strengths and interests, enabling them to envision their futures.
Each year, $250,000 in prizes will be awarded to five exemplary schools. These funds are intended to facilitate experiences that empower students, particularly from under-resourced communities, to explore viable career pathways. "Career exploration should be integral to the educational experience, allowing students to forge their paths guided by their passions and ambitions," remarked Amy Bevilacqua, President of the Building Hope Impact Fund.
The Future Forward Schools Prize is open to all public, charter, and private K–12 institutions that have been operational for a minimum of two years. Schools eligible for this initiative are required to have a career exploration program tailored for middle and/or high school students and must serve a student body with at least 50% representation from under-resourced or underrepresented groups. This includes students of color, those from low-income backgrounds, and individuals with special needs.
Selected from a competitive application process, the finalists represent a rich diversity of educational environments focused on enhancing students' connections to real-world opportunities. Later this year, five winning schools will be recognized and awarded prize funding as part of the inaugural Future Forward Schools Prize. The finalists include:
1. Comp Sci High (Bronx, NY) - This charter school is dedicated to preparing its students for economic independence through a rigorous curriculum centered on computer science, AI, app development, media, and cybersecurity.
2. UP Academy Dorchester (Boston, MA) - Through its Inspire Your Future program, the school connects students with local businesses to provide hands-on experiences that enhance their career readiness and relevant skill sets.
3. Utica Shale Academy of Ohio (Salineville, OH) - This academy offers practical training focused on technical skills, preparing students for diverse career pathways in technical fields.
4. Kenilworth Science and Technology Academy (Baton Rouge, LA) - The school immerses students in STEM disciplines, helping them gain college credits while preparing for careers in scientific fields.
5. Midview Local School District (Grafton, OH) - Incorporating career-connected learning from K-12, Midview ensures that students graduate equipped with essential skills and industry credentials.
6. Old Brook High School Parma Campus (Parma, OH) - With a model centered around individual student needs, the school enables students to earn both a diploma and work qualifications.
7. New Mexico School for the Arts (Santa Fe, NM) - NMSA prepares its students for careers in media and entertainment through hands-on training in various artistic disciplines.
8. New Orleans Marine and Maritime Academy (New Orleans, LA) - NOMMA combines leadership training with a robust technical curriculum in marine engineering and STEM, resulting in notably high graduation rates.
9. Solid Rock Community School (Tarpon Springs, FL) - The school provides career learning through diverse programs, including veterinary and culinary arts pathways.
10. Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy (Lehigh Acres, FL) - This school supports at-risk students, allowing them to learn at their own pace while exploring pathways towards career independence.
Each finalist school not only represents a commitment to innovation in education but also emphasizes the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all students. Winners of the Future Forward Schools Prize will also join the Future Forward Schools Fellowship, which offers support, mentorship, and a community network aimed at scaling effective educational practices.
To learn more about the Future Forward Schools Prize, you can visit the Building Hope website at buildinghope.org/futureforwardschools. Building Hope has a long history of promoting educational advancements, having supported over $2 billion worth of charter school projects across the nation, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children. With the Future Forward initiative, Building Hope and Britebound are set to redefine how students perceive their futures by connecting them to viable career pathways early on.
The initiative aims to address a critical gap in education, emphasizing that career exploration should begin long before a student reaches their senior year of high school. With the understanding that formative years play a crucial role in career decision-making, the Prize seeks to ensure that students gain insights into their strengths and interests, enabling them to envision their futures.
Each year, $250,000 in prizes will be awarded to five exemplary schools. These funds are intended to facilitate experiences that empower students, particularly from under-resourced communities, to explore viable career pathways. "Career exploration should be integral to the educational experience, allowing students to forge their paths guided by their passions and ambitions," remarked Amy Bevilacqua, President of the Building Hope Impact Fund.
The Future Forward Schools Prize is open to all public, charter, and private K–12 institutions that have been operational for a minimum of two years. Schools eligible for this initiative are required to have a career exploration program tailored for middle and/or high school students and must serve a student body with at least 50% representation from under-resourced or underrepresented groups. This includes students of color, those from low-income backgrounds, and individuals with special needs.
Selected from a competitive application process, the finalists represent a rich diversity of educational environments focused on enhancing students' connections to real-world opportunities. Later this year, five winning schools will be recognized and awarded prize funding as part of the inaugural Future Forward Schools Prize. The finalists include:
1. Comp Sci High (Bronx, NY) - This charter school is dedicated to preparing its students for economic independence through a rigorous curriculum centered on computer science, AI, app development, media, and cybersecurity.
2. UP Academy Dorchester (Boston, MA) - Through its Inspire Your Future program, the school connects students with local businesses to provide hands-on experiences that enhance their career readiness and relevant skill sets.
3. Utica Shale Academy of Ohio (Salineville, OH) - This academy offers practical training focused on technical skills, preparing students for diverse career pathways in technical fields.
4. Kenilworth Science and Technology Academy (Baton Rouge, LA) - The school immerses students in STEM disciplines, helping them gain college credits while preparing for careers in scientific fields.
5. Midview Local School District (Grafton, OH) - Incorporating career-connected learning from K-12, Midview ensures that students graduate equipped with essential skills and industry credentials.
6. Old Brook High School Parma Campus (Parma, OH) - With a model centered around individual student needs, the school enables students to earn both a diploma and work qualifications.
7. New Mexico School for the Arts (Santa Fe, NM) - NMSA prepares its students for careers in media and entertainment through hands-on training in various artistic disciplines.
8. New Orleans Marine and Maritime Academy (New Orleans, LA) - NOMMA combines leadership training with a robust technical curriculum in marine engineering and STEM, resulting in notably high graduation rates.
9. Solid Rock Community School (Tarpon Springs, FL) - The school provides career learning through diverse programs, including veterinary and culinary arts pathways.
10. Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy (Lehigh Acres, FL) - This school supports at-risk students, allowing them to learn at their own pace while exploring pathways towards career independence.
Each finalist school not only represents a commitment to innovation in education but also emphasizes the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all students. Winners of the Future Forward Schools Prize will also join the Future Forward Schools Fellowship, which offers support, mentorship, and a community network aimed at scaling effective educational practices.
To learn more about the Future Forward Schools Prize, you can visit the Building Hope website at buildinghope.org/futureforwardschools. Building Hope has a long history of promoting educational advancements, having supported over $2 billion worth of charter school projects across the nation, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children. With the Future Forward initiative, Building Hope and Britebound are set to redefine how students perceive their futures by connecting them to viable career pathways early on.
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