We're Building What's Next.
NEXT exists because young people deserve access to practical knowledge about leadership, business, money, technology, and opportunity before adulthood. We believe the next generation shouldn't have to wait to start building their future.
Our Mission
NEXT Institute for Leadership & Entrepreneurship equips young people with the leadership, entrepreneurial, financial, and technology skills needed to create opportunities, build businesses, and become leaders in their communities.
Our Vision
To build a generation of confident, capable, innovative young leaders who understand that their ideas and abilities can create economic opportunity for themselves and their communities.
Why Jackson?
NEXT is beginning in Jackson, Mississippi because investing in young people is an investment in the economic and civic future of the city. Jackson's youth are full of talent, creativity, and ambition. When we give them the tools to lead, build, and create, the entire community benefits.
We believe Jackson's next generation of entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators are already here. They just need the opportunity, the mentorship, and the platform to start building.
Our Approach
Learn. Practice. Build. Launch. Lead.
Students apply what they learn instead of only completing classroom exercises.
Learn
Students learn foundational concepts in leadership, business, money, and technology.
Practice
They practice skills through real exercises, not just worksheets.
Build
They build actual businesses, brands, websites, and products.
Launch
They launch their businesses into the real world.
Lead
They lead — applying what they learn to create opportunity.
Leadership
NEXT is built by a community of leaders, mentors, and partners committed to the next generation.
Founder / Executive Director
Visionary leadership guiding NEXT's mission and growth.
Coming Soon
Board of Directors
Strategic governance and organizational oversight.
Coming Soon
Advisory Council
Industry leaders providing guidance and expertise.
Coming Soon
Mentors
Professionals working directly with students to build real businesses.
Coming Soon
Community Partners
Local organizations and businesses creating opportunity together.
Coming Soon