Midview Local Schools has been named one of 10 finalists nationwide for the 2026 Future Forward Schools Prize, a prestigious initiative recognizing middle and high schools that are preparing students for the future through career exploration and career-connected learning experiences. Midview is the only traditional public school district selected as a finalist, joining a cohort that includes eight charter schools and one private school from across the country.
The Future Forward Schools Prize, led by Building Hope in partnership with Britebound, recognizes schools creating innovative, scalable models that help students—beginning as early as middle school—develop employability skills and imagine what’s possible after graduation. Eligible applicants include K–12 public, charter, and private schools serving populations with at least 50% under-resourced or underrepresented students.
What set Midview apart from nearly 150 applicants nationwide is its districtwide approach to career readiness. Rather than treating it as a selective opportunity, Midview embeds it as a universal expectation for all students.
A key strength of the district’s approach is its long-standing investment in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and career-based learning programs. What begins as early curiosity in elementary classrooms grows into hands-on exploration in middle school and develops into advanced coursework, industry-recognized credentials, and real-world career experiences in high school.
Over the past several years, Midview has strengthened its commitment to preparing students for in-demand career fields through high-quality curriculum such as Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and partnerships with colleges, community organizations, and local workforce leaders.
Today, students across Midview have the opportunity to engage in STEM and career-technical learning at nearly every grade level.
At West Elementary (grades 3-4), students attend STEM class weekly and engage in the PLTW Launch curriculum using an activity-, project-, and problem-based learning model that introduces foundational concepts in science, engineering, and computer science.
At East Intermediate (grades 5-6), students take PLTW Gateway courses as part of their specials rotation. Fifth graders complete the Science of Technology course, which emphasizes science and technology concepts, while sixth graders take Design and Modeling, applying engineering and math concepts. These classes introduce students to topics they’ll explore more deeply in middle school and high school.
In middle school, all seventh-grade students complete Dynamic Pathways, a required course focused on exploring Ohio’s 16 career fields, with the option to continue into Dynamic Pathways II in eighth grade. Students also choose from a wide selection of PLTW electives—including Magic of Electrons, Flight and Space, Green Architecture, Automation and Robotics, Computer Science, and Medical Detectives—which allow them to explore engineering, biomedical science, technology, and more in greater depth.
At Midview High School, students can engage in career-connected learning aligned to high-demand industries through four structured pathways: Broadcast Media Arts, Biomedical Sciences, Sports Medicine, and Microelectronic Manufacturing (MEMS). These programs provide students with opportunities to earn industry credentials and college credit through partnerships with Full Sail University, Kent State University, and Lorain County Community College.
In addition, students have access to more than 10 career-connected elective courses in areas such as business, computer science, digital media arts, engineering, and family and consumer sciences. Additional opportunities include the county’s only U.S. Air Force JROTC program and dual enrollment offerings with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
To support students facing academic or economic barriers, Midview also offers Career-Based Intervention (CBI) and pre-apprenticeship programs that integrate academic instruction, employability skill development, individualized career planning, and paid and unpaid work experiences to keep students on track for graduation and support postsecondary readiness.
Together, these opportunities create a continuum of career-connected learning that is embedded in school culture. Students graduate with the skills, industry credentials, and career clarity needed to thrive in college, the military, or the workforce.
In late May, five schools will be announced and awarded $50,000 in prize funding. Winning schools will also join the Future Forward Schools Fellowship, which includes retreats, pro bono advisory support, and a national community of practice to help scale successful career readiness models.
If selected, Midview plans to use funding to strengthen current career-connected programming and supporting equipment, expand student access to leadership and career exposure opportunities, provide professional development for educators, and support the development of new career-based courses.
Midview’s application was submitted by Director of Career Technical Education and Job Placement Deanna Hersko, with support from Midview High School Principal Chad Heuser and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jodi Wolf.
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About Building Hope
Building Hope is a national nonprofit that empowers advancements in education through our work with schools and communities by providing unparalleled facility financing, real estate development, and operational services. We believe a facility should never be the barrier preventing a child from attending a great school. During our 22-year history, Building Hope has supported more than $2 billion in charter school projects. For more information, visit www.buildinghope.org.
About Britebound
Britebound, formerly American Student Assistance (ASA), is a national nonprofit at the forefront of changing the way young people learn about careers and navigate to postsecondary education and career success through access to career readiness information, resources, and experiences for all. Britebound helps middle and high school students to know themselves—their strengths and their interests—and understand their education and career options so that they can make informed decisions. Britebound fulfills its mission by providing free, digital experiences directly to millions of students, and through advocacy, impact investing, research, thought leadership, and philanthropic support for educators, organizations, and others. Britebound fosters a generation of confident, crisis-proof young people who are ready for whatever path comes next after high school. To learn more about Britebound, visit www.britebound.org.