JB
Joe Butler
Workforce & Organizational Leadership
A Tampa, Florida 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
The future won't wait.
We're preparing young people to lead it.
Legacy Forward Institute equips youth from underserved and under-resourced communities with the skills, exposure, mentorship, technology, and leadership development needed to thrive in the AI-powered economy — as creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, and workforce-ready professionals.
Serving youth and young adults ages 10–24 · Tampa, Florida · Programs in development
Why Now
The opportunity gap is becoming a technology gap.
Artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping education, careers, entrepreneurship, and the global economy.
Yet too many young people from underserved and under-resourced communities still lack access to the technology, exposure, mentorship, networks, and future-ready learning opportunities needed to fully participate in — and help shape — that future.
Legacy Forward Institute exists to help close that gap.
About Legacy Forward
We believe exposure changes perspective, mentorship builds confidence, innovation creates opportunity, and education creates legacy.
Talent is universal.Opportunity is not.
We're building the bridge between boundless potential and the access, skills, and networks that turn it into opportunity.
About Legacy Forward
Building futures. Creating innovators. Advancing legacy.
Legacy Forward Institute is a future-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit preparing youth for success in the rapidly evolving innovation economy through AI education, STEM learning, robotics, entrepreneurship, leadership development, digital media, workforce readiness, mentorship, and economic empowerment.
We are designed to operate as more than a traditional youth program. Our vision is to build a future-readiness ecosystem that expands access to technology, education, mentorship, leadership development, career exposure, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.
Our Four Pillars
Four pathways. One future.
Our programs connect technology, creativity, leadership, and opportunity — helping young people develop the skills and confidence to participate in and lead the future economy.
AI & STEM
Practical artificial intelligence, science, technology, engineering, and hands-on problem solving.
Learn moreEntrepreneurship & Economic Mobility
Business thinking, financial literacy, ownership, and creator-economy skills.
Learn moreLeadership & Workforce Readiness
Communication, confidence, professionalism, mentorship, and career preparation.
Learn moreMedia & Digital Creation
Digital storytelling, content creation, and the creative tools of the modern economy.
Learn moreThe Legacy Forward Pathway
A journey — not just a class.
Every experience we design follows the same developmental arc — from first exposure to real opportunity.
01
Learn It.
Exposure and education — introduce youth to AI, technology, entrepreneurship, and future opportunities.
02
Build It.
Skills and projects — hands-on learning through real tools, technology, and challenges.
03
Lead It.
Confidence and mentorship — communication, leadership, and professional networks.
04
Launch It.
Opportunity and mobility — connect skills to education, careers, and entrepreneurship.
Founding Program · In Development
Future Builders Lab
Our flagship program is being built now. Future Builders Lab is an upcoming Tampa-area future-readiness experience initially intended for youth approximately ages 14–18 — exploring practical AI, emerging technology, entrepreneurship, digital creation, leadership, and career readiness.
It has not launched yet, and we won't present it as though it has. But you can be among the first to know when it does.
Additional planned flagship programs include the Legacy Forward AI Academy, Robotics & Innovation Lab, Digital Entrepreneurship Academy, Leadership Institute, and STEM Innovation Camp.
What We're Building Toward
Skills for today. Opportunity for tomorrow.
Legacy Forward Institute is a new organization and we are honest about that. As our programming launches and grows, we are committed to measuring participation, skill development, mentorship engagement, educational advancement, career exposure, and long-term outcomes — and to reporting them truthfully.
- Future-Ready Skills
- Technology Fluency
- Leadership Confidence
- Entrepreneurial Thinking
- Career Exposure
- Professional Networks
- Mentorship
- Economic Opportunity
Leadership & Governance
Built with purpose. Governed for impact.
Legacy Forward Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a board of directors, with a commitment to responsible stewardship, transparency, and accountability.
SD
Dr. Sean Davis
Medicine & Youth Mentorship
N“
Nicole “Nikki” Streeter
Youth Development & Community Engagement
LM
Leola Mathews
Youth Advocacy & Community Service
Get Involved
There are many ways to build this future.
Whether you're a student, a mentor, a partner, or a supporter — there's a place for you in this mission.
Students & Families
Learn about upcoming programs and how your young person can take part.
Explore programsVolunteers & Mentors
Share your time, experience, and expertise with young people.
Volunteer with usPartners & Sponsors
Collaborate on programming, technology, mentorship, and career exposure.
Partner with usDonors & Supporters
Invest in the programs, technology, and experiences that prepare youth for the future.
Support our mission
Building What's Next
Help build the future.
Legacy Forward Institute is building something important at the intersection of youth, technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. Be part of it.
501(c)(3) NonprofitTampa, FloridaYouth ages 10–24