Since the youth of today will be responsible for taking over the now-changing world of work, it’s more important than ever for them to understand what that world will look like. That’s why we think the gift of education is the most important gift you can give this year. We’ve provided five ways for you to give the students in your life opportunities for learning that will benefit them all year long.
Set Up a College Fund
The rising cost of college is in the news almost daily these days. Help the children in your life by setting up or contributing to a college fund for them! Even if they haven’t hit grade school yet, it’s never too early to start. If you aren’t sure where to start, Forbes offers a 5-step process for getting started. There are many benefits for you as well, if you open an account for your loved ones, such as tax breaks on the account and possibly on state taxes as well.
Provide a Travel Experience
Travel is a fantastic life-learning experience. Experiencing a new place and culture broadens a person’s perspective and contributes to their view of the world. Depending on the travel experience, a student could learn or hone a new language, discover new foods and rituals, and even navigate travel procedures such as going through security in the airport or planning a daily itinerary. This article provides some good tips on how to physically provide the gift as well as some advice on how to purchase things like airline tickets for different recipients. A student in your life may be hoping to participate in a travel experience like a class trip, and you can likely help them raise the funds they need to do it. WorldStrides offers music performing events and tours all over the country and the world for teachers to take their students from Washington, D.C. to Asia, Australia, South America and beyond; every location has a wealth of knowledge to share with your explorer. Ask the students in your life if you can help them make a school trip happen for them!
Sign Up for Online Learning
This digital age makes it easier than ever to learn everywhere. Provide your child with an online subscription to courses of all subjects! From learning code to learning a new language, figuring out how to set up a personal schedule to creating a responsible social brand, there is an unlimited number of things that students can learn with access to the right online platform. Here are some options for teens and college students (some are even free!) and this post provides options for younger students. You can also find educational games to give. This list allows you to search and vet video games for the tweens and teens on your shopping list.
Deliver Learning with a Subscription
Subscription boxes are a trendy gift – and there are lots delivering learning.
Here are some top book boxes for younger students, and there’s even one that offers costumes for kids with a theatrical streak! For young adults, there are many subscriptions tailored to their tastes, including
these options. You can also find monthly activity boxes for STEM, geography, and more that you can do with your child. Or maybe get them an account on
Audible or another service where they can listen to books.
Send Them to a Program
We're biased, of course, but a great educational gift is the gift of hands-on learning. You can send your child to an Envision program to step into the shoes of a career they are interested in. They’ll hone essential 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, and leadership to help with their future success! We offer hands-on experience in the fields of medicine, STEM, engineering, aerospace, leadership, law, national security, business, and even the culinary arts.
These programs not only give students the chance to explore their future career, but they will also make lifelong friends in the process. It’s a gift that gives for a lifetime!
No matter what gift you give those on your list, we know it will be given with the greatest love. If you have other educational gifts that would be good for students, please share it in the comments below!
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