text: Cited sources; www. Edgarsnyder. com Www. uslegal. com   Schools claim that they are preparing their students for the future, however, the future is changing. Students need a new set of skills including independent thinking, finding and solving problems, and even being a leader in today's modern world. One of the best ways for teachers to help students develop these skills is through allowing them to take on projects which allow them to explore their interests and create something that is their own. Some people may say that a teacher-designed project is vital for providing students with the necessary base to create a meaningful project, but there is more value in a project that a student is able to choose. When students are given the opportunity to choose their own project to do over the summer, they will develop important skills that are necessary later in life, pursue the topics that interest them, and still enjoy their summer break.