About NextGen Launchpad

NextGen Launchpad is a comprehensive youth entrepreneurship and leadership development program designed to equip young people with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to turn ideas into sustainable ventures and meaningful career pathways. The program supports youth at critical transition points by fostering innovation, confidence, and real-world readiness.

Through a blend of hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and experiential projects, participants develop foundational business knowledge, leadership competencies, and personal growth skills. Youth are guided through the full lifecycle of idea development, from concept and problem identification to planning, execution, and impact measurement.

Participants gain direct access to industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who provide mentorship, feedback, and practical insights. This exposure helps youth build professional networks, understand diverse career pathways, and gain confidence navigating business and leadership environments.

NextGen Launchpad places strong emphasis on practical application. Youth work on real or simulated ventures, develop business models, pitch ideas, manage budgets, and collaborate in team-based environments. Alongside entrepreneurial skills, participants strengthen communication, critical thinking, financial literacy, and resilience, transferable competencies essential for long-term success.

The program also prioritizes equity, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring youth from underserved or equity-deserving communities have access to tools and opportunities often out of reach. Participants leave the program with tangible outcomes, including business concepts, leadership portfolios, professional connections, and clear next steps for education, employment, or venture launch.

Ultimately, NextGen Launchpad empowers youth to become confident innovators, leaders, and changemakers, capable of creating economic opportunities for themselves and positive impact within their communities.