Mountain View, California
Our Mission
SailFuture is a nationally acclaimed leader in education, foster care, and juvenile justice services.
Based in St. Petersburg, FL, we serve 150+ young people per year across 6 different integrated programs.
SailFuture is an innovative foster care agency and private school based in St. Petersburg, Florida, dedicated to serving high-risk teens in foster care. Through a comprehensive continuum of care, SailFuture addresses the needs of children and families across seven different programs within the community. Our holistic approach integrates residential care, mental health services, practical job training, and education—all rooted in transformative experiences like 60-day international sailing journeys. This unique combination aims to disrupt cycles of poverty, abuse, and incarceration by equipping teens with the skills and resources necessary to navigate life successfully.
Programs like the SailFuture Academy—a tuition-free entrepreneurship high school—teach students to think critically and solve real-world problems. Additionally, student-run social enterprises provide practical, hands-on business experience. The organization's philosophy emphasizes figuring things out, working as a family rather than just colleagues, and doing whatever it takes to support our kids and families. Through these efforts, SailFuture strives to create lasting, positive change in the lives of the youth they serve.
Our Programs
We serve over 150+ young people each year across six integration programs.
Sailing Expeditions
International Sailing Expeditions
Our comprehensive programming includes 60-day sailing journeys throughout the world, where students navigate international waters, explore different cultures, and develop leadership skills. Participants engage in adventure-based mental health counseling, practical job training, and receive instruction from a hands-on technical high school curriculum—all while aboard our state-of-the-art sailing vessels.
Child Welfare
Child Welfare Programs & Residential Homes
SailFuture operates two residential homes in St. Petersburg, Florida, licensed by the Department of Children and Families. Residential is the core of all SailFuture programming; students participate in multi-month-long sailing expeditions, adventure counseling, private high school education, vocational and job training, and independent living programming.
Mental Health
Adventure Based Counseling
Family, group, and individualized adventure-based therapy and behavioral treatment plans for teens. Unlike most mental health agencies, our therapeutic services are experience and adventure-based. Instead of in an office, many of our sessions take place sailing across Tampa Bay, walking the beach, kayaking through mangroves, or at a local park. This unique approach fosters personal growth, resilience, and improved mental health outcomes.
Job Training
Job Training & Social Enterprises
Our student-run enterprises are the perfect way to teach students about business in a practical, hands-on, and engaging manner. Students work behind the scenes on all aspects of business fundamentals including finances, project management, human resources, marketing, business development, and more. Through these real-world experiences, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that prepare them for future careers in various industries.
Education
Private High School & Educational Programs
SailFuture Academy is a tuition-free career preparatory high school that leverages project-based learning and paid apprenticeships to prepare students for the real world. Our curriculum integrates academic subjects with hands-on experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings. We focus on personalized education plans, mentoring, and providing pathways to higher education or immediate employment after graduation.
Our Funders and Partners
Funded by national organizations, foundations, and leaders in disruptive education and social services.
We are proud to be partnered with dozens of government, child welfare, and philanthropic partners who help us develop our mission.
Our Philanthropic Partners
Google
Orlando Health
Orlando, Florida
LinkedIn
Sunnyvale, California
Center for Education Reform
Washington, D.C.
Drexel Fund
Washington, D.C.
Stand Together Foundation
Arlington, Virginia
YASS Foundation
Washington, D.C.
AT&T
Dallas, Texas
Department of Labor
Washington, D.C.
Government Partners
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
Child Welfare & Recidivism Prevention
Florida Department of Education
Educational Services
Florida Department of Children and Families
Child Welfare Services
Department of Labor
Educational Services & Job Training
Career Source Tampa Bay
Educational Services & Job Training
Step Up For Students
Educational Services
Florida Medicaid
Mental Health Services
Sunshine Health
Mental Health Services
