History of Thirt13n
History of Thirt13n
Thirt13n’s story began in 2002 with the Youth Motorsports Academy, an innovative nonprofit launched by parents and community leaders determined to reimagine how young people learn. What started as a small idea—using motorsports and automotive technology to connect classroom learning with real-world experience—quickly became a powerful model for students who needed a different way to discover their strengths.
As the impact grew, so did the vision. The organization expanded to include Design n’ Challenge, which introduced students to engineering, design, and entrepreneurship, and Doorways2Construction, a program that revitalized vocational training and prepared students for high-demand careers. With this broader focus, the name evolved to Youth Learning Academy (YLA) to reflect its commitment to helping students build futures across multiple industries.
For years, YLA worked directly inside schools, offering project-based programs that supported students from elementary through high school. Participants strengthened academic skills, gained confidence, and graduated with clear pathways into apprenticeships, community college, and workforce opportunities. The model proved what the organization always believed: talent is everywhere—opportunity is not.
In 2019, the Board embraced a renewed vision for the organization’s next chapter. The relaunch as Thirt13n represented a bold recommitment to expanding access, deepening community partnerships, and building a unified ecosystem of programs that meet learners where they are and guide them toward where they want to go.
The name Thirt13n is rooted in the spirit of America’s original 13 colonies—symbolizing unity, resilience, and the belief that communities rise when they rise together. That same belief fuels Thirt13n today: bringing schools, industries, and communities together to open doors that once felt out of reach.
Now, Thirt13n carries forward the legacy of the Youth Motorsports Academy and YLA through a connected portfolio of programs, including the RFields Program (a sports-driven career pipeline), Doorways2Construction, the Vineland Project (agriculture and hospitality), and emerging social enterprises and wraparound services.
Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive, scalable ecosystem designed to excite, engage, educate, and empower young people and families—helping them build lasting pathways to success and generational transformation.
Founder's Story
THIRTEEN was created by Tamara Cavanaugh, whose life is proof that talent can be found anywhere when the right opportunities exist. Growing up in rural poverty, Tamara faced the challenges many underserved children still experience today—limited resources, school struggles, and a family that didn’t fully understand how critical education would be for her future.
Everything shifted when a mentor entered her life at age 11. What began as a request for a job became a decades-long relationship that opened doors to career pathways, leadership role models, and the confidence needed to rise above circumstance. He taught her networking sports like tennis and golf, introduced her to professional environments, and ensured she had guidance through college applications and early career development.
Tamara’s passion for hospitality, wine, and service excellence grew through the influence of strong women, mentors, and industry leaders who invested in her potential. With their support, she earned a degree in Hospitality Management and built a successful career rooted in service, leadership, and community.
Today, Tamara channels her lived experience into building THIRTEEN, a system of mentorship, exposure, and opportunity designed to give young people what she once needed most. Her leadership and advocacy led to her appointment by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Virginia African American Advisory Board.
She knows firsthand that opportunity—not ability—is what changes lives. THIRTEEN exists to make those opportunities real for every child.
Be Part of Thirt13n’s Future
Help us open doors for the next generation and ensure every young person has a pathway to opportunity.