futurePREP'd
Welcome to futurePREP'd! We are a dynamic program dedicated to transforming education by empowering both educators and students through Project Based Learning (PBL). Using the Design Thinking Model, our mission is to bring hands-on, relevant learning into classrooms and prepare students for real-world success.
For Educators:
The futurePREP'd team provides PBL training that empowers educators to create engaging, hands-on classrooms where students thrive. Our professional development opportunities emphasize practical application, ensuring teachers gain the confidence and skills to implement meaningful, student-centered learning. We also connect teachers with community and business partners, providing valuable resources and authentic audiences for student projects.
Through customized training sessions, we support educators at all experience levels, tailoring instruction to specific content areas, grade levels, and instructional goals. Our summer training programs offer immersive, hands-on experiences where teachers explore best practices, engage with industry professionals, and apply their learning by leading student teams in our summer program.
Beyond summer, we offer on-site coaching, immersive workshops, and collaborative planning to help educators sustain and refine their PBL practices. By equipping teachers with effective strategies, we are shaping dynamic learning environments that empower students with 21st-century Skills4Success and the confidence to explore their future pathways.
For Students:
futurePREP’d empowers students with unique opportunities to explore career paths and develop essential skills for success. Through our after-school and summer programs, students collaborate with business and community partners to tackle real-world challenges using design thinking principles.
Participants gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication while expanding their professional networks. Our Creative Sequence guides students through every stage of innovation—from investigating challenges to developing and pitching solutions to industry professionals. Along the way, they strengthen their Skills4Success, a critical set of soft employability skills that enhance productivity and achievement in any field.
futurePREP'd has come along side 50+ schools, partnered with 100+ businesses, trained 500+ educators , supported 500+ project-based learning experiences, and impacted 10,000+ students
Together, we’re creating a brighter future by connecting education with the world beyond the classroom. Join us in shaping innovative, career-ready learners and inspired, empowered educators.
Educator Opportunities:
Explore our wide range of professional development opportunities for educators! From hands-on PBL training and immersive summer programs to on-site coaching we provide the tools and resources needed to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences. We also offer continuing education groups for alumni-trained teachers, fostering ongoing growth, collaboration, and support. View the opportunities below to get started!
Filter:
Student Opportunities:
Explore a variety of summer and school-year opportunities for all grade levels! These career exploration and project-based learning experiences provide valuable hands-on learning and growth. Check out the options below!
Filter By Grade Level
Filter By Time of Year
Elementary School Academy
Through Elementary Academy, students work together as a team to develop new and innovative solutions to real-world problems. The Elementary Academy is open to all elementary school students at participating schools.
- Elementary School
- Fall Programs
- Winter Programs
High School Academy
Through the High School Academy Internship Program, students work together as a team to develop new and innovative solutions to real-world problems faced by local companies. Students will solve these challenges on-site at their business partner. Academy is open to all high school students.
- Fall Programs
- High School
- Winter Programs
IChallengeU
IChallengeU is a two-week internship program that provides real-world work experience at a local business for 9th-12th grade students. Students will work as a team lead by futurePREP'd trained educators to solve a real-world business challenge their company partner is facing, and present their solution to their stakeholders at the end of the program.
- High School
- Summer Programs
IChallengeUjr.
IChallengeUjr. is a four day program that provides real-world experiences in design thinking for current K-5th grade students. Students will work together to solve a challenge faced by a local community partner.
- Elementary School
- Summer Programs
IChallengeUth
IChallengeUth is a one-week program that provides real-world work opportunities highlighting career exploration for current 6th-8th grade students.
- Middle School
- Summer Programs
Middle School Academy
Through Middle School Academy, students work together as a team to develop new and innovative solutions to real-world problems faced by local organizations. The Middle School Academy is open to all middle school students in participating schools.
- Fall Programs
- Middle School
- Winter Programs
PREP'd Connect
PREP'd Connect is an after-school program in which students get introduced to a variety of careers, build their professional network, and practice their Skills4Success. Students can also earn one college credit, visit a college campus, attend a Chamber event, and work towards potential internships and work experiences. PREP'd Connect is open to 9th-12th grade students at participating high schools.
- High School
- Winter Programs