ABOUT US
about empower kids
Empower Kids is an economic mobility organization that equips students with the skills, certifications, relationships and real-world experiences that expand lifelong opportunity.
Through Career and Technical Education (CTE), industry-recognized certifications and project-based experiences, students develop workforce skills, build professional portfolios and connect classroom learning to meaningful college and career readiness.
Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, Empower Kids integrates programs across multiple high-demand career pathways to design products, launch initiatives, solve real business challenges and gain practical experience while earning credentials.
Our implementation model is designed to help schools expand high-quality CTE opportunities by maximizing available state workforce funding and reducing local financial barriers through strategic implementation partnerships.
We believe
Education alone does not eliminate poverty.
Opportunity does.
Students are far more likely to succeed when they gain meaningful skills, industry-recognized certifications, professional relationships, authentic work experience, confidence, and access to economic opportunity.
Research increasingly suggests that upward mobility depends not only on what students know, but also on who they know, the experiences they have, and the opportunities they can access. Empower Kids exists to build those opportunities.
our model
Schools have traditionally separated learning into individual subjects.
The workplace doesn’t.
Empower Kids integrates multiple high-demand Career and Technical Education pathways into authentic projects that reflect how organizations actually operate.
Students may:
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Design and manufacture consumer products.
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Build websites, software, and AI applications.
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Produce news broadcasts, documentaries, and digital media.
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Develop branding, marketing, and communications campaigns.
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Analyze financial models and business operations.
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Explore healthcare and biomedical applications.
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Operate hospitality and customer service ventures.
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Present ideas to executives, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders.
Each project intentionally develops technical skills, communication, collaboration, leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and professional networks simultaneously while allowing students to earn certifications and build portfolios that demonstrate real-world capability.
Designed to help schools expand opportunity through scalable, career-connected programming.
Why Empower Kids
CTE Funding Alignment
Empower Kids' programs align with Michigan CTE pathways eligible for up to 75% state reimbursement, helping districts expand access while reducing implementation barriers. We work with partners to explore additional support opportunities that may help offset local program costs.
Flexible Program Delivery
Programs can operate in-school, after school, summer or through community partnerships.
Industry Certifications
Students build workforce-ready skills through project-based learning experiences that support certifications, portfolios and career readiness.
Frequently asked questions
Guided Learning
Structured pathways designed to help students build workforce skills and real-world readiness.
Hands-On Skills
Project-based learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with real-world application.
Qualified Interns
Access students equipped with workforce-ready skills, project-based experience and career pathway preparation.
Industry Experts
Programs informed by professionals across business, media, technology, healthcare, academia and workforce development.