Ways to Give

Together,
We Build Futures

When you give to Thirt13n, you help us break cycles of poverty and open doors of opportunity for youth, veterans, and families across rural and underserved communities.

Your generosity fuels hands-on training, career pathways, and social enterprise programs that prepare the next generation to thrive—on the field, in the classroom, and in life. 

Why Give

Every gift supports our mission to Excite, Engage, Educate, and Empower young people

hrough industry-based programs in sports, agriculture, hospitality, construction, and technology.

Your donation:

Donate to Thirt13n

Thirt13n (formerly Youth Learning Academy) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible in the U.S.

EIN: 83-0375227 | DUNS: 07-520-9411

Give Online

Your donation ensures we can continue supporting students, families, and veterans as they pursue education, purpose, and stability.

Other Ways to Give

Corporate Sponsorship

Join The Pact—our network of industry leaders and volunteers creating lasting change. From event sponsorships to training partnerships, your company can help shape tomorrow’s workforce.

In-Kind Donations

Support our programs through donations of materials, equipment, or services that enhance our educational and community initiatives.

Planned Giving

Leave a lasting legacy by including Thirt13n in your estate or financial planning. Your planned gift helps ensure that our programs continue empowering future generations.

Volunteer or Mentor

Share your skills. Shape a life. Join our volunteer network and mentor students through Chat with a Champion or serve on The Pact to help guide youth and veterans toward success.

Every Gift Counts. Every Life Matters.

“You’re not just giving — you’re building futures and restoring hope.”

From classrooms to construction sites, farms to playing fields—Thirt13n builds hope where it’s needed most. Be part of our story. Be part of their future. 

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