Welcome to Thirt13n

Opening Doors to Opportunity for Youth in Underserved Urban and Rural Comminities

About Thirt13n

Building Futures. Strengthening Families. Transforming Communities.

Thirt13n is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking cycles of generational poverty by connecting young people to meaningful experiences, career pathways, and supportive networks.

Our model blends K–12 career education, sports-based learning, mentorship, family support, and social enterprise to give every student the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. Across rural and urban communities, we help young people build confidence, develop career-ready skills, and gain access to opportunities that change the direction of their lives.

Featured Programs

Our K–12 pathways introduce students to real industries, real mentors, and real possibilities — supported by family-strengthening programs and community partnerships. 

RFields Program

Helping Students Build Careers In the Field, Not Just on the Field

Chat with a Champ

Real Role Models for Every Student 

The Vineland Project

Growing the Next Generation of Agripreneurs

Family Support

Strengthening Families So Students Can Succeed

Social Enterprises

Purpose-Driven Ventures That Power Our Mission

Thirt13n’s social enterprises generate revenue, create apprenticeships, and expand opportunities — ensuring every experience, service, and partnership drives meaningful impact.

Get Involved

Join the Movement That Opens Doors for Youth and Their Families

Alignment with Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs)

Create13 enhances Virginia’s Standards of Learning by merging creativity, career readiness, and academic objectives. Hands-on interdisciplinary projects reinforce communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity while supporting SOLs across core subjects.

  • Students practice creative problem-solving, design thinking, and artistic expression across visual arts, fashion, music, and digital media.
  • Emphasis on critique, reflection, and presentation aligns directly with Fine Arts SOL competencies.
  • Storytelling, songwriting, and digital media production strengthen reading, writing, and speaking skills.
  • Structured reflections and presentations support composition and communication standards.
  • Creative projects highlight cultural identity, heritage, and the role of art in society.
  • Students examine local and global issues through design, media, and community-focused work.
  • Coding, design, and game development reinforce logic, spatial reasoning, measurement, and problem-solving.
  • Integrates computational thinking and applied mathematics in creative contexts.
  • Students build financial literacy, entrepreneurship, professionalism, teamwork, and leadership.
  • Direct alignment with Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills and CTE competencies.

Create13 Six-Week Rotating Career Structure

Cycle 1: Digital Art & Graphic Design

Capstone: Personal logo or brand kit.

Cycle 2: Music Production & Audio Engineering

Capstone: Original track or remix.

Cycle 3: Fashion Design & Creative Merchandising

Capstone: Simple fashion item or mini runway show.

Cycle 4: Game Design & Coding

Capstone: Playable game or level.

Cycle 5: Film, Photography & Digital Media

Capstone: Short film or photo series.

Cycle 6: Entrepreneurship & Creative Business

Capstone: Market Day showcase.

Create13 Pathway

EXCITE (Grades K–3) – Discover Creativity

  • Creative play and hands-on art activities
  • Intro to music, color, movement, and storytelling
  • School art fairs and family exhibitions
  • “My First Design” mini-projects

ENGAGE (Grades 4–6) – Explore Creative Fields

  • Intro workshops in drawing, digital art, and instrument basics
  • Visits to local creative studios and community art spaces
  • Collaborative class projects
  • Early introduction to creative technology

EDUCATE (Grades 7–8) – Build Skills & Identity

  • Visual, media, and performing arts coursework
  • Workshops with guest artists and industry mentors
  • Leadership and goal-setting sessions
  • Financial literacy for young creators
  • Middle school 'Mini Market'

EMPOWER (Grades 9–12) – Create & Lead

  • Portfolio development and college preparation
  • Paid internships and externships
  • Guest artist and designer intensives
  • Creative Career Fair and networking events
  • Advanced studio courses

EVOLVE (Postsecondary/Apprenticeship) – Launch & Lead

  • Creative industry apprenticeships
  • University and industry partnerships
  • Business startup support through P4ct
  • Alumni showcases and mentorship