I’m reaching out because I believe in the power of education — it transforms lives. In America, education is the cornerstone of opportunity, mobility, and achieving dreams. We’ve all seen how it can impact lives firsthand. 

Over the last few years, I’ve been searching for ways to channel my desire for positive impact in what’s felt like an increasingly chaotic world. That’s when I discovered Next Gen, an organization that resonated deeply with me. Next Gen’s mission is simple yet incredibly powerful: to uplift high school students who are often overlooked but full of potential. These aren’t the students most at risk, nor are they those with abundant resources. Instead, they represent the quiet middle—a group with untapped potential who just need the right guidance to thrive.

How does Next Gen create change?

By providing mentorship, community, and essential resources, Next Gen empowers high schoolers to see possibilities they never knew existed. They help these students ask themselves a pivotal question: “Why not me?” By exposing students to future possibilities through visits to colleges, companies, and vocational centers, as well as afterschool mentorship with teachers and program alumni, Next Gen shows them a variety of paths available to them, and in doing so, challenges them to rise beyond their circumstances.

And it’s working. Next Gen students are graduating at higher rates (97% of its students graduated in the ’23-’24 school year), securing meaningful jobs, and finding pathways —whether through college or vocational careers — that match their skills and aspirations. With the right support and encouragement, they are achieving what many in their situations never thought possible. And the ripple effect is profound: students become mentors, communities thrive, and companies benefit from a new pool of motivated talent.

After 10 years of proven success in the Atlanta public school system, it’s time for Next Gen to expand its reach—and I’m honored to be a part of that journey.

This is where you come in.

Why Now?

Next Gen is starting to expand beyond Atlanta.  The need to scale its impact has never been greater. The middle students Next Gen serves represent an enormous, untapped potential. They’re hidden jewels. By moving this middle group higher, we can create the greatest societal impact — helping more students graduate, pursue fulfilling careers, and, ultimately, give back to their communities while companies can address their own hiring needs.

The benefits are clear: more students graduating, more pathways to great jobs, more thriving communities. Students win, companies win, communities win. When these three constituents win, we all win.

I’m incredibly excited about the difference we can make. This isn’t just an investment in students; it’s an investment in our collective future. Please consider joining Susan and me in supporting Next Gen through a financial contribution and helping us continue this life-changing work. 

Thank you for considering this important cause. I’d be happy to discuss how you can get involved and answer any questions you may have.

Warmest regards,


Simeon Wallis 

See Our Mission In Action