Royal Bash Special Project: College and Career Readiness

We think of high school as the time when students envision life beyond 12th grade, whether that’s a 4-year university, community college, trade school, military service, or direct entry into a profession. But too many students enter their senior year with only the sketchiest idea of where they’ll go after graduation, and without a sense of purpose to help guide their choices. Here in Hopkins, students themselves have been asking for more career-connectedness in their education, leading to the expansion of career pathways, including culinary education (recipient of several HEF Spark Grants) and the Certified Nursing Assistant program (funded with $19,000 from HEF) at our high school.

Each year, the Hopkins Education Foundation and Hopkins Public Schools partner on a large-scale districtwide special project, that is the focus of our Royal Bash fundraising gala, this year held on March 14. This year’s special project, “Supporting College and Career Pathways,” seeks to build on the success of those programs and expand career-oriented learning across the district. 

In Elementary School: BizTown

A child’s journey to post-secondary education, and ultimately a career, begins in elementary school. That’s when kids awaken to the vast array of options out there beyond the glamor professions (no offense to astronauts, pop stars, or pro athletes). The Junior Achievement organization understands this. They’ve created a 12,000 square foot simulated city called BizTown, designed to teach kids what a functioning economy looks like and how the pieces – from bank accounts to restaurants to local elections – interact. 

This year’s special project will send students in each of our elementary schools to BizTown in either fourth or fifth grade, for a day of hands-on career exploration. Their experience begins with an age-appropriate  monthlong curriculum around finance, economics, and the world of work. Students will interview and be “hired” for jobs like CEO, engineer, marketer, reporter, tradesperson, and mayor. When they arrive, students become citizens of BizTown and head to one of the 18 learning labs created in partnership with local businesses like General Mills, Polaris, Great Clips, KS95 Radio, and more. 

Earlier this school year, a delegation of Hopkins educators and HEF staff popped into BizTown for a preview tour, and they can’t wait to share the experience with their students. We are committed to funding this for three years.

In Middle School: Career Fair

West Middle School Career Day, May 2025

By middle school, kids are ready for a deeper dive. Like, what’s the difference between a civil engineer, a structural engineer, and an electrical engineer? How much do plumbers earn, and what kind of hours are they expected to work? Is dreaming up names for nail polish colors really a job that someone gets to do? (Please say “yes.”) What are all the behind-the-scenes roles in the entertainment industry, and how do you break into it? 

Google can provide generic answers, but it’s far better to hear straight from the source. That’s why we’re including a career fair for 8th graders as part of “Supporting College and Career Pathways.” 

Students in both middle schools will get to connect with 30+ professionals from a variety of fields to learn about careers in a setting that allows them to ask questions (even the weird ones) and get candid answers. Through conversations with real professionals, students will be able to identify careers they’re interested in. By the end of the program, students will know more about their strengths and passions, as well as what skills and degrees are required for different careers.

In High School: Career Academies

Hopkins High School is exploring a “career academies” model with the nonprofit, Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL). This approach is designed to help students understand their strengths and interests, connect high school curriculum to real-world applications, and graduate with a clear sense of direction. This model benefits all students, whether they go on to a 4-year college or dive straight into the workforce.

Ford NGL has worked with 40+ high schools across the nation (including Shakopee High School) for 20 years to:

• Enhance education by using career academies that create small “schools within a school,” and making learning feel more relevant.

• Add career pathway classes relating to fields like healthcare, business, communications, engineering, or construction.

• Bring real-world learning into the classroom with business partners who will mentor, teach, provide internships, and offer networking opportunities. 

Hopkins High School Certified Nursing Assistant Lab, opened 2024

Ford NGL's approach is data-driven and grounded in educational research. Schools across the country using this career academies model have shown excellent academic outcomes, increased graduation rates, more students going to college, and better preparation for college and careers.

This year’s special project will help fund the continued exploration of this model for Hopkins High School. Presently, the district is engaging parents and community members to gather feedback and envision what Hopkins’ implementation might look like. If ultimately approved by the school board, the transition will begin in the 2027-28 school year. If not, funds for this special project will support existing current college and career exploration and pathways at the high school, such as the CNA Lab, Career and Technical Education, college prep, and more. For more details, including an FAQ and form for submitting feedback, visit HHS’s Ford NGL information page. 

The Fundraising Goal: $75,000

At the Royal Bash on March 14, attendees will raise their paddles to help fund this special project, with a goal $75,000 to fund career exploration at all three school levels.  Any funds raised beyond that will fund teacher Spark Grants and support HEF’s mission to enhance education in Hopkins schools. Tickets for the Royal Bash are on sale now.

To contribute to “Supporting College and Career Pathways,” just listen for the special project segment of our program at Royal Bash and raise your paddle to donate. (Trust us: you’ll know when it’s time!) If you can’t make it to the event but would like to contribute specifically to this year’s project, you can do so online. Get started here.

We can’t wait to see you at Royal Bash as we “light the way” to a bright future for our Hopkins scholars!