We transform the lives of youth at risk.

SailFuture's innovative programs empower hard-to-reach teens to transform their life trajectory.

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.

International Sailing Expeditions

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 Programs

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

    Mountain View, California

  • 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

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

The SailFuture Academy

SailFuture Academy is a pioneer in education, offering real-world learning through project-based and work-based experiences.

WE'RE HIRING

A impactful career starts here — join our mission to make a difference.

We're a small but mighty agency with a 'whatever it takes' mentality. Explore our current roles and opportunities to make an impact.

At SailFuture, our approach to social work is complex, requiring dynamic, passionate leaders who bring their full range of skills to the table. We're as committed to supporting each other as we are to transforming the lives of young people in poverty.


Through our innovative programs—spanning education, mental health, job training, foster care, and international sailing expeditions—we work to change life outcomes. Whether you're a teacher, captain, or counselor, there's a place for you to make a lasting impact at SailFuture.


Updates

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