Every day, I meet students who are curious, capable, and ready to build something meaningful — they just need to see what’s possible.
Over the past year, the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation has listened closely to parents, educators, and industry partners. We’ve also watched our state place greater emphasis on future-focused pathways preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce. Through all of this, one message rose to the top:
Families want earlier exposure.
Students want real-world skills.
Employers want a stronger talent pipeline.
So we asked: What if we brought all of this together in one place?
What if parents could explore the incredible futures available to their children — alongside us?
Introducing Parent University: Hands-On Futures
A Trades & Career Pathways Experience for Mt. Vernon Families
This event is designed to spark curiosity, open doors, and help families navigate the many ways students can build a successful future. Because we believe:
There is more than one way to a great life —
and every path deserves to be celebrated.
What Hands-On Futures Offers
- Hands-on experiences with real tools, real work, and real opportunities
- Insight into high-demand fields: skilled trades, healthcare, logistics, technology, public safety, and more
- Clear information on earnings, credentials, certifications, and career ladders
- A space for students to explore early, build confidence, and discover what fits
When parents understand the pathways, students thrive.
When industry shares what they need, schools respond.
When community partners invest, futures take flight.
Why This Matters
At MVCSC, we’re not just preparing students for graduation — we’re preparing them for life.
Some students will pursue four-year degrees.
Others will follow certifications, technical training, apprenticeships, or industry pathways.
Many learn best by building, repairing, designing, and creating.
All of them deserve opportunity.
All of them deserve connection.
All of them deserve to belong.
Join Us
📅 Thursday, January 22, 2026
🕔 5:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation
Featuring workshops, hands-on stations, skilled trades demonstrations, local employers, and experts ready to help families understand today’s workforce — and tomorrow’s.
✔ Complimentary dinner
✔ Complimentary childcare
✔ Registration required
A Collective Effort
Hands-On Futures is possible because of collaboration — with MVCSC educators, industry partners, and the families who show up for their children every day. Parent University is becoming something powerful for our community.
Because at Mt. Vernon, we’re not just building programs.
We’re building futures.
Hands-On. Purpose-Driven. Connected.
Interested in partnering or presenting?
Renee Oldham, Executive Director
📧 Renee@MtVernonFoundation.org