Lesson 5:

Personal Passions and Career Goals

Learning Targets

Students create a plan using personal passions, mission statements, 3Ts, and career interests to set goals for making a philanthropic impact through service projects.

Duration 20–25 MINS

Downloads Lesson Plan, Personal Passions and Career Goals - Student Worksheet, Careers in Philanthropy Handout & Presentation

Materials Student Worksheet, Presentation Slides, Careers Handout

Downloadable Materials

Lesson Plan: Personal Passions and Career Goals

Career-focused lesson connecting personal passions to philanthropic goals and nonprofit career paths. Students revise their personal mission statements to incorporate career goals, talents, passions, hobbies, etc., and explore how various skills (finance, writing, marketing, IT) translate to nonprofit work.

Activity: Personal Passions and Career Goals - Student Worksheet

Planning worksheet in which students list interests, talents, and hobbies, identify career goals, and write an updated personal mission statement that incorporates both philanthropic purpose and career aspirations. Provides structure for connecting passions to meaningful professional impact.

Activity: Careers in Philanthropy Handout

One-page guide exploring six nonprofit career pathways: Math & Finance, Management & Leadership, Writing & Communication, Public Speaking & Networking, Information Technology, and Marketing & Social Media. Includes six steps to seek out a philanthropic career.

Presentation: Personal Passions + Career Goals = Your Impact

Guides students through a revised mission-statement formula that incorporates career goals. Features a sample revised mission statement, six career pathways in philanthropy, and actions to take to seek out a philanthropic career. Students identify steps to take to get them to their end goal.

Need Ideas? See What's Possible.

From aluminum foil cat toys to 3D-printed medical devices, students across the country are turning their passions into powerful community impact. The Project Ideas section showcases real student projects organized by cause—complete with book recommendations, downloadable activities, and partner connections. Whether your students care about animals, the environment, seniors, or social justice, you'll find concrete examples and practical resources to spark their next meaningful project.