Mission & Values

Building Futures Through Exposure, Mentorship, and Real Experience

Our Purpose

Thirt13n exists to break the cycle of generational poverty by creating long-term pathways to education, careers, and opportunity

for youth, families, and veterans. Through innovative programs, holistic wraparound support, and industry-driven partnerships, we connect classrooms to careers and empower individuals to become skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities.  We use passion through sports, trades, hospitality, agriculture, and the arts as the spark to engage, inspire, and transform lives.

Our Core Values

Opportunity

We believe every young person deserves access to education, mentorship, and real-world experiences that open doors to careers and futures once thought unreachable. 

Community

We work hand-in-hand with schools, families, and industries to build networks of support that uplift entire communities, not just individuals. 

Innovation

Through social enterprises and forward-thinking programs, we generate sustainable resources that fund our mission and create new avenues for growth.

Integrity

We lead with honesty, accountability, and respect—upholding the trust of our students, families, partners, and donors.

Empowerment

We equip youth and veterans with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive—helping them not only find jobs but build meaningful careers and futures. 

Service

We cultivate civic responsibility, encouraging participants to give back, strengthen their communities, and inspire the next generation. 

Collaboration

We unite schools, industries, and communities through shared purpose—because lasting change happens when we work together.

Integrity

We lead with honesty, accountability, and respect—upholding the trust of our students, families, partners, and donors.

Our Theory of Change

At Thirt13n, we believe breaking the cycle of generational poverty begins with opportunity.

Too many young people in rural and underserved communities grow up without access to quality education, career pathways, or the supportive networks they need to thrive. We exist to change that. 

Generational poverty traps families in cycles where urgent needs overshadow long-term goals.

Without mentors, social capital, or access to career opportunities, youth are often left disconnected from their full potential. 

Our Approach

Thirt13n combines education, industry partnerships, and holistic support into one powerful ecosystem. 

Career Pathways in Schools

Programs like RFields, Doorways2Construction, Vineland Project, and Race2Success use students’ passions to spark career exploration.

Wraparound Support

Initiatives like The Jordan Way and Christian’s Heart ensure students and families receive mentorship, counseling, and essential resources. 

Social Enterprises

Ventures such as VivaNova, 1898, Aveqia, and Aqueduct generate revenue while providing real-world training and jobs.

Digital Platforms

Interactive portals connect students, families, schools, and industry mentors, expanding access to guidance and opportunity – coming soon.

The Results We Aim For

The Impact

By aligning schools, industry, families, and communities, Thirt13n builds bridges from classrooms to careers. Our work creates new futures for youth, stability for families, and resilience for communities. Together, we’re not just addressing poverty — we’re breaking the cycle for good. 

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