NextGen Business Leadership
Think DECA, but for organizational leadership. An 8-week program that gives high school students real business thinking skills, a portfolio piece for college applications, and a head start on careers that matter.
In-class only · Max 15 minutes outside work · Non-disruptive to other coursework
Two Ways to Participate
Choose Your Path
School Adoption
Your school adopts the program as an elective, club, or extracurricular. We provide the teacher toolkit, curriculum, and support.
- Teacher facilitator guide included
- Works as an elective or business club
- Perfect for private schools & entrepreneurship programs
- Group pricing available
Individual Enrollment
Students sign up independently. Complete the program online, earn a certificate, and build a leadership portfolio for college applications.
- No school involvement needed
- Self-paced online format
- Portfolio piece for college apps
- Pathway to the college program
Curriculum
8 Weeks to Discover
What Is Leadership?
Leadership isn’t a title. Introduction to purpose, systems thinking, and why most organizations fail.
Outside work: Reflection journal: identify leadership you’ve experienced
Purpose & Authenticity
How authentic leaders build trust. Self-assessment: how do you show up?
Outside work: Write your personal purpose statement (10 min)
Working With Others
Cross-functional collaboration, communication, and accountability basics.
Outside work: Peer feedback exercise (15 min)
Why Organizations Succeed or Fail
Case studies of real companies. What alignment looks like and why it breaks.
Outside work: Read mini-case study and answer 3 questions (15 min)
Building Trust & Psychological Safety
Team simulation: build trust under pressure. How failure drives growth.
Outside work: Team reflection (10 min)
AI & The Future of Work
How AI is changing every industry. What skills matter now and what won’t.
Outside work: AI impact brainstorm for your career interest (15 min)
Your Leadership Plan
Build your personal leadership manifesto. What kind of leader will you be?
Outside work: Draft leadership manifesto (15 min)
Presentation & Celebration
Present your leadership manifesto to the class. Celebrate. Plan what’s next.
Outside work: None — celebrate!
of hiring managers say HS graduates are not workforce-ready
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
of students feel unprepared for life after high school
YouScience 2025
wanted more work-based opportunities in school
Walton Family Foundation
What's Next
Graduates earn a leadership manifesto portfolio piece and a clear pathway to the college program or online track.