Partners and Sponsors

Building Pathways That Lead Young People Toward Brighter Futures

Thirt13n’s work is made possible through strong partnerships with schools, businesses, industry leaders, community organizations, and sponsors

who believe every young person deserves a pathway to a meaningful future. Our partners help us bring real-world learning, mentorship, hands-on experiences, and career opportunities to students across the country. When you partner with Thirt13n, you’re not just supporting a program. You’re helping build a generation of creators, builders, thinkers, leaders, and innovators.

Why Partner With Thirt13n

Empower the Next Generation

Your involvement directly impacts students by expanding their awareness, boosting their confidence, and connecting them to real career pathways.

Strengthen Communities

By supporting youth development, you help build stronger schools, more resilient families, and future-ready local economies.

Develop Future Talent

Partners gain access to motivated young people who are exploring careers in hospitality, sports, media, STEM, trades, entrepreneurship, creative arts, and more.

Promote Your Company’s Values

Align your brand with education, innovation, mentorship, and community impact.

Ways to Partner with Us

Industry Partnership

Collaborate with us to provide workplace visits, mentorship, and real-world experiences that help students explore future careers.

School & District Partnership

Bring Thirt13n programs to your classrooms with curriculum support, teacher training, and a full K–12 career-connected pathway.

Program Sponsorship

Support a specific Thirt13n pathway and help expand hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exposure for students.

Event Sponsorship

Sponsor events of all kinds—from youth programs to partner experiences—to help power our mission. v

In-Kind Support

Provide equipment, technology, space, or resources that strengthen hands-on learning and enrich student experiences.

Volunteer & Mentorship

Share your time and expertise to inspire students, guide their growth, and help them see what’s possible.

Benefits for Partners & Sponsors

Partner With Thirt13n

Help us create pathways that excite, engage, educate, and empower the next generation. 

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