Support the Workforce and Ready Model

Invest in the Future of Education. Empower the Workforce of Tomorrow.

The Tidewater Education Consortium is reimagining what it means to prepare students for success in the 22nd-century workforce. Through our Workforce and Ready Model, we are equipping over 26,000 students in southeastern Virginia with access to:

• High-quality STEM and AI learning experiences

• Hands-on training in skilled trades and maritime careers

• College and career readiness programs

• Social-emotional and mental health support

• Leadership development for educators and school communities

But we can’t do it without you.

Your donation directly funds student scholarships, pre-apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and digital access for families. Whether it’s $10 or $10,000, every contribution helps build a more equitable, skilled, and empowered future workforce.

Your Gift Makes an Impact:

Tidewater Summer Sparks Literacy & Career Academy

Help Us Empower the Next Generation of Thinkers, Builders, and Innovators - This summer, the Tidewater Education Consortium (TEC) will launch a transformative 4 week Summer Literacy and Career Academy designed to ignite a love of learning, strengthen academic foundations, and expose students to real-world career pathways.

Serving students from across southeastern Virginia—particularly those from underserved communities—this program blends literacy enrichment, career exploration, STEM innovation, and mental health support to close opportunity gaps and create new futures.

What Your Donation Supports:

1. Day Trip College Tours to Local and Out of State Colleges/Universities

2. Engineering, AI & Virtual Reality Projects

3. Literacy Learning Labs to strengthen reading, writing and math skills

4. Career Pathway Micro-Workshops in skilled trades, maritime tech, and entrepreneurship

5. Social-Emotional Learning sessions to build confidence and mental wellness

6. Digital Access & AI Exploration to prepare students for tech-driven careers

7. Meals, supplies, and transportation for students who need it most

Each gift—no matter the size—helps a child stay curious, connected, and on the path to success.

Why It Matters

 

More than 50% of students in the Tidewater region are not meeting college and career readiness benchmarks. Many lack access to high-quality summer programs, falling behind during the months when they should be moving forward.

The Sparks Summer Literacy & Career Academy changes that.

With your support, students will:

• Avoid summer learning loss

• Build critical academic and life skills

• Explore careers in STEM, trades, and maritime fields

• Gain mentorship and encouragement from community leaders

• Return to school confident, capable, and inspired

 

This will allow us to support up to 100 students with full access to programming, meals, transportation, and supplies for the entire 4-week academy.

Be a Champion for Students