Our Story
NextGen Leaders Academy was born from a deep, personal conviction that every person, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves to be seen, believed in, and given a real chance to succeed. For Founder Addie Brooks, this work is not just professional, it is personal. It is rooted in a lifelong passion for helping people discover their worth, their voice, and their ability to rise beyond what the world may have told them they could be.
With over 20 years of combined experience in clinical research, education, mentorship, and community development, our founder, Addie Brooks, recognized a critical gap in support for youth, young adults, and justice-impacted individuals. Too many talented people were falling through the cracks, not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked access to the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to move forward and thrive.
Today, NextGen Leaders Academy stands as a bridge between potential and possibility. Our vision is to see individuals not only succeed academically and professionally but also build stable, fulfilling lives, graduating, securing meaningful careers, strengthening families, and becoming confident contributors to their communities. Through partnerships with schools, correctional institutions, community organizations, and government agencies nationwide, we provide comprehensive support to help every individual we serve move forward with purpose, stability, and hope.
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Our Mission
NextGen Leaders Academy exists to inspire, empower, and equip youth, young adults, and justice-impacted individuals with the skills, confidence, and support needed to transform their lives and live with purpose.
Through education, real-world skill building, mentorship, leadership development, and reentry readiness, we partner with schools, correctional institutions, community organizations, and government agencies to break cycles, restore hope, and build pathways to academic success, career readiness, and generational impact.
Our mission is to create opportunities, cultivate resilience, and help individuals turn potential into purpose in classrooms, communities, and beyond.
Our Vision
To be a nationally recognized leader in education, mentoring, reentry support, and workforce development, creating life-changing pathways that empower youth, young adults, and justice-impacted individuals to thrive, build stability, and live with purpose across generations.
Our CoreValues
Inspiration
We believe in the power of hope and possibility to spark growth and transformation.
Empowerment
We provide individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take control of their futures.
Respect
We honor the dignity, worth, and potential of every person we serve.
Community
We build strong relationships and partnerships, knowing that lasting change happens together.
Excellence
We are committed to delivering high-quality programs and support that lead to meaningful, lasting outcomes.
Purpose
We help individuals discover their direction and move forward with confidence, turning potential into a life of meaning and impact.
Meet Our Founder Addie Brooks
Addie Brooks,
Founder & CEO
Addie Brooks is a mentor, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for people who just need someone to believe in them and help them see what’s possible. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that every person, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves access to opportunity, guidance, and a real chance to thrive.
With over 20 years of experience across clinical research, education, and community work, Addie has spent her life walking alongside youth, young adults, and justice-impacted individuals, helping them build confidence, discover their strengths, and create new paths forward. What drives her is not just programs or outcomes, but people, their stories, their struggles, and their potential.
NextGen Leaders Academy was born from her heart for service and her desire to close the gaps she saw too many fall through. She envisions a future where young people are prepared, returning citizens are supported, and families and communities are strengthened through education, mentorship, and real-world opportunity.
Based in Atlanta, Addie is also a proud mother to her son, Bryce, a Harvard graduate whose journey reflects the power of support, belief, and perseverance. For Addie, this mission is personal. It is about changing lives, restoring hope, and helping others step into the future they deserve.
Our Therapist
Shalette Lawton,
Therapist
Shalette Lawton is a licensed therapist in the state of Georgia with more than 11 years of professional experience supporting individuals, youth, and families through a wide range of emotional and behavioral health challenges. Her work includes helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, anger management, confidence issues, self esteem concerns, and motivation related struggles.
Shalette is passionate about helping young people and adults develop the emotional skills needed to manage difficult experiences and build healthier relationships. She works with individuals to strengthen coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and develop tools that support positive behavioral change. Her approach focuses on creating a safe, supportive space where people feel heard, respected, and encouraged as they work through challenges and build resilience.
In her work with youth, Shalette is committed to helping young people develop confidence, improve decision making, manage anger and frustration in healthy ways, and build the life skills needed to succeed at school, at home, and in their communities. She believes that early support and guidance can make a lasting difference in helping youth grow into confident and capable leaders.
With a strong commitment to behavioral health and community wellness, Shalette works to empower individuals and families to overcome obstacles, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and move forward with confidence toward a healthier and more balanced future.
Our Team
Our staff includes
- Certified teachers and academic support specialists
- International tutors providing virtual and international support
- Licensed counselors and social workers
- Workforce and career readiness coordinators
- Reentry specialists who understand the journey firsthand
- Youth mentors and leadership coaches
- Trauma-informed support professionals
Our Partners
Our partners includes
- School districts and charter schools
- Colleges and universities
- State and local education agencies
- Juvenile justice and correctional institutions
- Community-based and nonprofit organizations
- Homeless shelters, housing programs, and transitional services
- Workforce development boards
- Faith-based organizations
- State and federal agencies
Why Choose NextGen?
Comprehensive Programming
Proven Results
Experienced Leadership
Trauma-Responsive Approach
Community-Centered
Nationwide Reach
Get Involved
Whether you’re an educator, community leader, government official, organization, or supporter, there are many ways to join us in expanding opportunity and strengthening lives.
Partnership | Programs
