New National Prize Honors Schools Guiding Students Towards Future Careers

In a significant move to enhance career exploration among students as they transition from middle to high school, American Student Assistance (ASA) and Building Hope have united to unveil the Future Ready Schools Prize and Fellowship Program. This initiative is backed by a $3 million grant and seeks to reward schools that excel in preparing students for their future careers.

Launched on October 8, 2025, the Future Ready Schools Prize will recognize five schools nationwide in its inaugural year, awarding them with a total of $250,000. The selected schools will also benefit from the Future Ready Schools Fellowship, which offers pro bono services, a supportive network, and an annual retreat aimed at fostering successful educational practices.

The Importance of Beginning Early

Julie Lammers, President and CEO of ASA, emphasized that middle school plays a crucial role in shaping students' career aspirations. Free from the pressures of high school deadlines, students can begin exploring their interests and opportunities. Research indicates that a staggering 87% of middle school students are eager to align their skills with potential careers. Furthermore, 69% of high schoolers believe they would have gained from increased career exploration during their middle school years.

This initiative is open to all school types, including public, charter, and private institutions. However, to qualify for the Future Ready Schools Prize and Fellowship Program, schools must offer career exploration programs starting in middle school and serve a student demographic consisting of at least 50% under-resourced or under-represented populations, including low-income students, students of color, and those with special needs.

A Harmonious Collaboration

William D. Hansen, President and CEO of Building Hope, highlighted the unique expertise that his organization brings to this initiative. With over 22 years of experience in improving school operations and expanding educational access, Building Hope will leverage its knowledge combined with ASA's leadership in career readiness. This collaboration aims not only to recognize top-performing schools but also to equip them with necessary resources to advance their career education programs effectively.

The Future Ready Schools Prize and Fellowship Program builds on Building Hope's successful Impact Program, which has previously distributed $668,500 to benefit 47 charter schools and nine volunteer leaders across 21 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico since 2021.

The application process for the Future Ready Schools Prize and Fellowship Program opens on December 3, 2025. Interested schools can visit buildinghope.org/futurereadyschools for detailed information on application criteria, deadlines, and various resources available throughout the application cycle.

About the Organizations

Building Hope is a national nonprofit organization committed to advancing education through unmatched support in facility financing, real estate development, and operational services. During its operational history spanning 22 years, Building Hope has played a pivotal role in facilitating over $2 billion in charter school projects, ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all children.

Conversely, American Student Assistance (ASA) is a nonprofit organization devoted to transforming how children prepare for their future careers. Through various programs and digital tools, ASA provides comprehensive career readiness resources for middle and high school students, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their educational pathways and career options. To learn more about ASA, visit asa.org.

This ambitious initiative signifies a substantive step towards enhancing educational practices focused on career readiness, ensuring that students have the tools and opportunities needed to successfully navigate their future endeavors and career choices.