Future Focused Education is dedicated to re-engaging students and preparing them for life in the 21st century.
Its leaders watched obstacles to academic success increasing, particularly for students in under-resourced communities, and saw students turning to low-wage, low-skill jobs to help support themselves and their families rather than participating in activities that could open the door to a more sustainable future. The tradeoff between meeting short-term family obligations and long-term career preparation often meant today’s needs overshadowed tomorrow’s opportunities. To address this challenge, FFE created X3, a paid internship for high school and early college-age students that pairs interns with local employers to build homegrown talent. FFE engaged LEH to support the development and launch of the program to include buildout of a foundational structure with capacity for statewide scale, recruitment of employers, and development of tools and training for employers, students, and teachers. Young people are matched with local employers, learning essential skills and strengthening entry-level talent. Interns earn stipends that respect their time and contribute to family needs, replacing minimum-wage jobs with rich, resume-building experiences. X3 also expands students’ social capital by connecting them with mentors and professional networks that open doors to new career paths.
Today, the X3 Internship Program is a statewide best practice and has garnered awards and recognition nationwide. With 1,986 active internships, 219 employer partners, and $2.5 million invested in supporting youth interns, X3 delivers benefits for students, employers, and communities. Employers are fully supported by the X3 team, which manages payroll, insurance, training, and evaluation tools. Interns and mentors receive training and 24/7 support, and the 12-week, on-site internship often serves as a talent pool, with many interns hired after the program ends.