The McKenzie Foundation strives to break the cycle of poverty through a comprehensive cradle-to-career approach.

Studies have shown that teens who do not go to college face significant challenges in the job market. By providing students with practical skills and hands-on experience, The McKenzie Foundation will help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-work job requirements, thereby reducing the skills mismatch that often leads to unemployment.

Did you know?

Approximately one in seven children (14%) in America live in families with incomes below the national poverty line. Of that number, over 40% are of Black or Hispanic descent. Children and families experiencing poverty often attend under-resourced, overcrowded schools that lack essential educational opportunities, books, supplies, and technology due to local funding policies. Additionally, these families typically reside in districts that fail to provide equal learning experiences for both gifted and special needs students and have high school dropout rates.

We saw a problem…

Studies have shown that teens who do not go to college face significant challenges in the job market. Young adults without a college education are often unprepared for the demands of the workforce. Many of them report feeling that high school did not adequately prepare them for life after graduation, particularly in terms of acquiring necessary job skills, understanding financial management, and navigating adult responsibilities.

…and we found a solution.

By providing students with practical skills and hands-on experience at the Forward Career & College Academy, The McKenzie Foundation will help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-work job requirements, thereby reducing the skills mismatch that often leads to unemployment. Through partnerships with industry, The McKenzie Foundation provides pathways out of poverty for high school students by ensuring curricula remain current and aligned with market needs, ultimately contributing to economic growth and individual career success.