Empower The Next Generation

Be a part of generational impact when you contribute to our endowed scholarship fund for at-risk students in St. Petersburg.

Overview

About the SailFuture Academy
Scholarship Endowment

The SailFuture Academy is a tuition-free private high school for St. Pete’s most at-risk students.

We have secured a $2M matching gift to kickstart the endowment, and if the average gift of everyone reading this email were $25,000, we would reach our goal overnight. If desired, gift commitments can be spread out over three separate yearly payments.

Our curriculum breaks the mold of traditional schooling, and includes paid internships and apprenticeships, an entrepreneurship hub and business thesis experience, round-the-world sailing expeditions, integrated life skills and counseling, and truly multidisciplinary project-based learning.

The creation of an endowment ensures the sustainability of a tuition-free, exceptional education for generations to come. It relieves the burden of annual fundraising in such a way that allows our dedicated team to focus their efforts on quality and expansion.

Our Population

Your Contribution Creates Opportunity to the Highest At-Risk Populations in St. Petersburg

Your contribution to our endowed scholarship fund for at-risk students in St. Petersburg is more than just a donation — it's an investment in the next generation.

Median Annual Income
$24,000
Free and Reduced Lunch Eligible
95%
High Risk Foster Care Youth
15%
Full Scholarship Qualification
98%

Our Students and Gradutes

Your Impact on Students at the SailFuture Academy

Scholarships for students open doors to transformative, life-changing opportunities for at-risk youth in St. Petersburg. At SailFuture Academy, students embark on unique journeys that nurture independent thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, shaping them into successful, self-reliant high school graduates. Discover the inspiring stories of current students and graduates whose lives have been forever changed by their experiences at SailFuture Academy.

Meet Alex, a 4th Year Student at the SailFuture Academy

Alexander Delarosa didn’t have the same goals as most high school students. He wasn’t thinking about the SAT, applying to colleges, or eventually attending a university.

Instead, Delarosa wanted to work, provide for his two younger sisters, help his parents pay the rent, and maybe even start his own business.

The traditional school system didn’t have much interest in helping Delarosa reach these goals that didn’t involve higher education — but SailFuture did.

“[The teachers I had before] weren't focused on what you wanted to do. They weren't focused on what interests you had. But when I came to SailFuture, they’re more personal. They cater to more of the interests you enjoy and what you wanted to do and build the curriculum around you,” Delarosa explained.

He brings the skills he is learning from working at a restaurant to the SailFuture classroom and says, “now with those classes I'm able to learn more about an LLC, how to keep my own business, how to keep it running and how to make it to where it's something I want to do.”

4th Year Student

La'Mya F.

LaMya Johnson struggled in the public school system, facing significant challenges and failing her classes. After transferring to SailFuture Academy, she found a supportive community and meaningful mentorship that helped her turn her academics around completely. Now a senior, LaMya is thriving and planning for a bright future as a young entrepreneur.

2021 Graduate

Bruce M.

Bruce, a 2021 SailFuture Academy graduate, was in the foster care system and often walked away from campus, not seeing the value in traditional education. His perspective changed at SailFuture, where he traveled over 15,000 nautical miles, gaining hands-on learning experiences that helped him earn his high school diploma and see the value of his education. This transformative journey led him to enroll in college after graduation.

3rd Year Student

Kadin A.

Kadin A., once expelled from two schools for bullying and behavioral issues, found a fresh start at SailFuture Academy. The work-based internships, apprenticeships, and project-based assignments reignited his passion for academics, leading to significant improvements in his professionalism, performance, and behavior. Now, Kadin earns top marks on campus, showcasing his remarkable transformation.

The Economics

By contributing to the private scholarship fund, you have the unique opportunity to bridge the $6,500 gap in annual tuition costs for a student, empowering them to access a $20,000 worth education

AmountMore details
Total Tuition Cost Per Student
$20,000 / Year
State of FL education voucher
$8,000
Income
Medicaid services
$2,000
Income
FRL reimbursement
$1,000
Income
Workforce Grant
$2,000
Income
Student contribution through WBL wages
$500
Income
Private Scholarship Needed Annually
$6,500
Donation