Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program Grant

The Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program aims to enhance career exploration for middle and high school students. This initiative, launched by Building Hope in partnership with American Student Assistance, recognizes schools that excel in career-connected learning. Awardees receive funding, mentorship, and resources to empower students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they develop essential skills for future success. With $50,000 available for five schools, this program fosters innovation and prepares students for a changing economy.

Building Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for K-12 students.
It is our honor to build hope for students nationwide.
Building Hope has partnered with American Student Assistance (ASA) to launch the Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program, a national initiative designed to recognize and support schools that excel in career exploration beginning in middle school. The program honors innovation, expands access to career-connected learning, and fosters a nationwide network of educators and leaders dedicated to preparing every student for success in an ever-changing world.
The Future Forward Schools Prize and Fellowship Program led by American Student Assistance (ASA) and Building Hope is designed to recognize excellence in career readiness and exploration programs for students starting in middle school and continuing through high school. It provides funding, recognition, resources, and professional networks to schools that excel in career-connected learning, helping students develop real-world skills, explore diverse career pathways, and prepare for success in a 21st-century economy.
$50,000 for 5 schools nationwide
National recognition for innovation in career-connected learning
Opportunities for their leaders to participate in the Fellowship cohort
Prize-winning schools enter a 9 months leadership network with:

• Coaching & expert-led workshops
• Pro bono technical support
• Annual retreat + monthly virtual collaboration
• Ongoing alumni network & national platform

Eligibility

Open to all middle and high schools: district, private, charter
Must be operating for at least 2 years
At least 50% of students served are from under-resourced or under-represented populations