Jackson's NEXT Generation Starts Here.
NEXT Institute for Leadership & Entrepreneurship equips Jackson youth with the leadership, business, financial, and technology skills they need to turn ideas into opportunities.
The NEXT Difference
What If Young People Didn't Have to Wait Until Adulthood to Start Building Their Future?
NEXT gives youth practical exposure to leadership, entrepreneurship, money, technology, and career development before they enter adulthood. We don't just teach — we put tools in their hands and let them build.
What Students Learn
Five Pathways. One Future.
Every NEXT student builds skills across five core areas that turn curiosity into capability.
Leadership
Leadership, confidence, communication, teamwork, decision-making, and public speaking.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship, business development, customer discovery, products, services, and operations.
Financial Literacy
Budgeting, pricing, profit, financial literacy, banking, and understanding how money works.
AI & Technology
AI, technology, digital marketing, content creation, websites, automation, and emerging technology.
Sales & Career
Sales, career readiness, networking, mentorship, business launches, and real-world experiences.
Ready to start building?
Become NEXTFor Parents
Is NEXT Right for My Child?
Answer a few quick questions about your child's interests and we'll recommend the NEXT pathway that fits them best.
What excites your child most?
Pick the answer that feels most true.
NEXT Founding 50
50 Jackson Youth. One Big Opportunity.
NEXT is launching its inaugural entrepreneurship cohort for 50 Jackson-area youth ages 13–18. Students participate in weekly virtual workshops and in-person business launch experiences — culminating at the NEXT Holiday Market.
Program Begins
October 5, 2026
Enrollment
$100 per student
Only 50 spots available.
Program Starts In
Your $100 Includes
- Full entrepreneurship program
- NEXT Business Workbook
- Weekly live instruction
- Leadership development
- Entrepreneurship education
- Financial literacy
- Marketing and sales training
- AI and technology training
- Business website
- One year of business technology access
- In-person business launch sessions
- NEXT Holiday Market vendor space
No separate Holiday Market vendor fee.
Real Businesses. Real Experience.
This Isn't Just Another Class.
Students don't simply study entrepreneurship. They build businesses. They develop an idea. They identify customers. They create brands. They establish pricing. They build websites. They learn marketing. They practice selling. And then they launch.
NEXT Launchpad
Meet NEXT Launchpad
Build. Manage. Grow. Succeed.
NEXT students receive access to NEXT Launchpad, a digital business platform designed to help young entrepreneurs operate their businesses.
- Business website
- Customer management
- Lead tracking
- Forms
- Calendars
- Email marketing
- Business communication
- Marketing tools
- Automation
Founding 50 students receive one year of NEXT Launchpad access included with enrollment.
NEXT Holiday Market
Where Young Entrepreneurs Become Business Owners.
Students complete the program by participating in a public Holiday Market where they can showcase and sell their products or services. Student businesses, community shopping, business pitches, awards, and local business involvement — all in one event.
Our Impact
Our Impact Is Just Beginning.
NEXT is launching. These counters will track our real impact as we grow — because every number represents a young person building their future.
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Youth Served
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Businesses Launched
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Student Revenue Generated
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Mentors & Volunteers
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Scholarships Awarded
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Community Partners
Join the Movement