Collaboration, critical thinking, time management: whether it’s a science lab or band practice, every classroom has the potential to impart these essential career skills to students. Educators are working hard to lay the foundation that will help kids build and thrive in careers they love. In a study published by the US Department of Education, “students who focused on Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses while in high school had higher median annual earnings than students who did not focus on CTE.”
But actually getting the tools for workforce development and CTE into schools? That’s a different story. In DonorsChoose’s 2025 annual spring teacher survey, only 53% of teachers shared that they have the resources they need to prepare their students for future careers. “Students never cease to amaze me,” said one teacher in our survey. “When we provide for them the time and space to be authentically awesome, they rise to the occasion.”
Many teachers are turning to DonorsChoose to jumpstart that process — and individuals and companies alike are stepping up to make sure kids have what they need to thrive after graduation. Here are five teachers who are teaming up with DonorsChoose supporters and corporate partners to bridge the gap between classrooms and careers.
Gaming for the Future
“Virtual reality headsets are becoming more and more common in the workplace and in education,” says Mrs. Luddy of Apoka High School, FL. “Giving my students the opportunities can help to foster a love of coding.”
That’s why she’s raised funding for three Meta Quest3 gaming headphones for her classroom. Supported by Riot Games as part of their initiative to expand access to video game design skills — especially in communities that are underrepresented in the industry — Mrs. Luddy is tapping into her students’ passion for gaming by teaching them how to code using programs like Unreal Engine so that they’re primed and ready for profitable and rewarding careers in the video game industry.
Future Leaders in Law
For Mrs. Epley’s Santa Paula, CA middle school Mock Trial Team, careers in law and law enforcement are more than just a dream — it’s the goal. By competing in simulated court cases, they’re able to build the knowledge and skills they need to pursue these competitive careers. Mrs. Epley’s students are from a low-income community, so she’s raising funds for professional attire and organizational materials that will help her students feel proud and ready to compete at the highest level.
“Mock Trial is an amazing program that helps students develop useful knowledge about the law, questioning techniques, critical thinking, and public speaking skills,” notes Mrs. Epley. “It also helps with self-esteem and self-advocacy — all valuable skills for the future!”
Aviation Adventurers through STEM
When Mrs. Fonoimoana, an elementary school teacher in Laie, Hawaii, put out a call for engineering kits so her students could build miniature airplanes, United Airlines answered the call. By funding Mrs. Fonoimoana’s project, United Airlines made sure her class had the chance to gain engineering skills and an excitement for flight. In return, United Airlines progressed their initiative to inspire the next generation of pilots and aviation workers.
“Living on an island, we rely heavily on aviation to travel and commute off-island,” said Mrs. Fonoimoana. “My dream for my students is that having this kit and having this experience will inspire them to build their knowledge and interest in aviation and one day work in the aviation sector.”
Animal Models for Veterinary Practice
“‘Doing to learn’ is not just from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) motto,” says Mrs. Greeley Howard of. “It’s also our classroom motto.” Many of Mrs. Greenly Howard’s students at Hughes STEM High School in Cincinnati are interested in careers in animal science and veterinary fields, so Mrs. Greeley Howard launched a DonorsChoose project to fund classroom resources like stuffed dogs for students to practice bandaging and preparing animals for surgery.
“As veterinary assistants,” she notes, “students are often in charge of preparing dogs for examination. The more a student can practice this, the more accurate they will be in real life.”
Expose Students to Music Production With a Recording Studio!
The students with special needs at PS140K in Brooklyn, NY are obsessed with music, and when Mr. Normil-Mendez looks at their passion, he sees opportunity. That’s why he launched and successfully funded a DonorsChoose project to build a classroom recording studio.
By providing these middle schoolers with an interactive space to create digital music projects, practice recording and production skills, and showcase their work at school events, in publications, and in their portfolios, Mr. Normil-Mendez is supporting music literacy and careers in music production for the students who need it most. Even more importantly, he’s helping them understand that their voices and creativity matter.
Shape the future by giving students the tools they need to thrive in the workforce.
No matter your company’s industry, there’s a way to foster and encourage successful careers by helping students get the resources they need.
Connect with our team to explore how your company can invest in tomorrow’s workforce through DonorsChoose.
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