Reimagining Career Exploration for Middle Schoolers Starts Here

Our new Designing the Future middle level curriculum is quickly gaining traction! The curriculum is an inspiring authentic learning experience for young adolescents that empowers every student to discover their strengths and talents, explore career possibilities, and take purposeful action to change the world!

Each unit of the curriculum enhances engagement through hands-on, collaborative, and reflective activities that help learners find their purpose and passions and “create their legacies” by making a positive difference locally and globally. By integrating self-awareness, service-learning, and career exploration, Designing the Future provides an intentional and empowered response to the developmental needs of early adolescents. In addition, it reinforces literacy and higher-level thinking skills through reflection and synthesis activities included throughout the student journal.

Already very well-received at several state and national conferences (OMLA, AMLE, NYLC), the program will be presented at many others, including Ohio ACTE, in the months ahead.

At the recent National Youth Leadership Council in Minneapolis, MD, an administrator from Maryland had this to say:“This [Designing the Future] is exactly what we’ve been looking for.”

In addition, the curriculum has garnered several key endorsements. Dr. Russell Quaglia, internationally respected expert on student voice, aspirations, and purpose, shared this reaction:

Designing the Future is an extraordinary inspirational book (student journal) that serves as a crucial guide for all young people looking to make a meaningful impact in their community and beyond.  It empowers students to reflect deeply on their paths, their potentials, and the possibilities that lie ahead, encouraging a journey of self-discovery and proactive engagement. What sets this book apart for me is its ability to transform students into “experts and changemakers,” equipping them with the tools to not only envision a better future but to actively create it.  An essential read for those who dream of shaping the future and leaving a lasting legacy.

Research experts from Amazon Printing added the following assessment:

We’re ready to take on your project due to thorough research conducted by our team, which highlighted several key factors that align with our goals: 

• Rising Demand for Student Engagement: Post-pandemic, schools are seeking innovative ways to engage students with purpose-driven learning and self-awareness.

• Alignment with Educational Trends: Focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) and project-based learning aligns perfectly with the book's approach.

• Ideal Timing for School Year Preparation: Educators are reviewing resources for the new academic year, making this the perfect time for adoption.

• Relevance to Youth Empowerment and Leadership: The increasing societal push for youth leadership and empowerment directly connects to the book’s message.

• Career Readiness Focus: The growing emphasis on preparing students for dynamic careers makes this book timely and relevant.

You’ll find more information about Designing the Future on our website. As you’ll see, there’s plenty of support for teachers who implement the program: a detailed Teaching Guide, PD videos to support each unit, and an online resource hub containing videos and other resources to share with students.

Please contact us at any time with questions: curriculum@partnershipsforall.org. We’d love to hear from you!