Calling all Youth Professionals ready to transform lives this summer.
Future Ready
Future Ready
Youth Summer Experience
An 8-Week Paid Program for Justice-Involved Youth (Ages 15–18)
Youth Summer Experience
An 8-Week Paid Program for Justice-Involved Youth (Ages 15–18)
June 2 – July 25, 2025 | Location: Metro Atlanta, GA
Our partners
Our partners
This If For You If...
This If For You If...
You work with or care for teens impacted by violence or incarceration
You’ve seen firsthand how trauma, loss, and broken systems can derail a young person’s future. You’re looking for more than punishment or pity — you want real solutions that provide healing, structure, and opportunity for growth.
You believe in paid, purpose-driven alternatives for youth
You know that youth don’t just need something to do — they need a reason to show up. You believe in programs that value their time, teach real skills, and help them earn while they learn, so they can build confidence and see their own potential.
You’re tired of programs that don’t meet youth where they ar
You’re done with one-size-fits-all systems that don’t understand what our teens are really facing. You want programs that lead with empathy, honor their experiences, and walk beside them through healing, mentorship, and opportunity — not just talk at them.
We’ve Been Doing the Work — and Getting Real Results
Real Impact. Real Stories. Real Change.
Why It Matters: Our Backstory
Over 100+ youth and families reached through outreach and mentorship
Partnered with schools, juvenile justice, and reentry programs
Supported by community leaders, therapists, and employers
Built from lived experience and real results
Ready to Help a Teen Heal, Grow, and Get Paid — Without the Streets or Missed Opportunity?
3 Reasons Why the Future Ready Summer Experience Is the Program Your Teen Deserves
Not only does this summer experience help youth build confidence, emotional strength, and career readiness..
#1: Youth Get Paid to Grow, Not Just Work
Instead of wasting their summer in the streets, teens earn up to $300/week while learning life and job skills in a safe, supportive space.
#2: We Expose Them to Real Career Paths
From tech and trades to fashion and media, our hands-on tracks let youth explore talents and passions that can turn into future income.
#3: We Start With Healing First
Because healing is the foundation. With anger management, grief recovery, and emotional intelligence workshops, they don’t just gain skills — they gain control over their future.
Our Core Approach: The 3-Part Journey Youth Experience
Here's Everything Teens Receive When They Join
1. Heal First
Youth begin with trauma-informed circles, journaling, and emotional check-ins powered by Built Not Broken™.
Benefit: Creates safety and emotional readiness for growth
Benefit: Youth start seeing themselves beyond pain
Benefit: Builds trust and positive group culture
2. Learn and Earn
Hands-on job training in career tracks youth choose — fashion, tech, lawn care, trades, and more.
Benefit: Youth explore real job options
Benefit: Receive mentorship and earn while they learn
Benefit: Discover purpose, talent, and income potential
3. Lead Forward
Fridays focus on life skills, public speaking, leadership, and planning for life beyond the program.
Benefit: Build confidence and communication
Benefit: Practice financial literacy and planning
Benefit: Prepare for the Future Ready Gala with pride
What Participants Gain
Weekly Stipend
Earn up to $2,500 while learning new skills and personal development.
Career Training
Hands-on experience in fields like trades, technology, creative arts, and business.
Life Skills
Sessions on Leadeership financial literacy, and communication.
Mentorship
Guidance from professionals, Business owners and community leaders
Support Services
Access to trauma recovery programs and daily support.
Celebration GAla
Showcase achievements and success of our Participants at the Future Ready Gala..
Meet Your Program Leaders
These are not just mentors — they’re Parents who have walked through pain, turned it into purpose, and now help youth and families do the same.
Kenn Collier Sr.
Founder of Futures Without Fear & Built Not Broken™ | Youth Advocate | Emotional Intelligence & Grief Recovery Specialist
Kenn Collier Sr. turned personal tragedy into purpose.
After losing his son to gun violence — and his son’s mother years earlier — Kenn dedicated his life to helping justice-involved youth and grieving families heal and rebuild. As the founder of Futures Without Fear, he created the Future Ready Summer Experience and the Built Not Broken™ healing curriculum to equip young people with the emotional tools, job training, and mentorship they need to grow beyond trauma and lead with purpose.
Kenn is also the founder of Men Grieve Too, a national grief and healing movement for men who have experienced deep loss but often suffer in silence. Through storytelling, support circles, and advocacy, he’s building spaces where healing is not only allowed — it’s expected.
With over a decade of frontline experience, Kenn has helped hundreds of youth and families across Metro Atlanta and beyond transform pain into purpose and write a new future — one built, not broken.
Tekesia Shields
Founder of Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV)
Mother | Mentor | Community Builder
Tekesia Shields turned her family’s heartbreak into a mission.
After her son was sentenced to prison at just 17 years old, she made it her purpose to help other mothers and youth avoid the same path.
Through Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV), Tekesia has created a safe space for healing, advocacy, and prevention — supporting families impacted by gang violence and incarceration.
With years of lived experience and grassroots leadership, she empowers both parents and youth to choose connection over cycles and rewrite their story before it’s too late.
Meet Your Program Leaders
These are not just mentors — they’re Parents who have walked through pain, turned it into purpose, and now help youth and families do the same.
Kenn Collier Sr.
Founder of Futures Without Fear & Men Grieve Too™ | Youth Advocate | Emotional Intelligence & Grief Recovery Specialist
Kenn Collier Sr. turned personal tragedy into purpose. After losing his son to gun violence — and his son’s mother to gun violence years earlier — Kenn dedicated his life to helping justice-involved youth and grieving families heal and rebuild. As the founder of Futures Without Fear, he created the Future Ready Summer Experience and the Built Not Broken™ healing curriculum to equip young people with the emotional tools, job training, and mentorship they need to grow beyond trauma and lead with purpose.
Kenn is also the founder of Men Grieve Too™ a national grief and healing movement for men who have experienced deep loss but often suffer in silence. Through storytelling, support circles, and advocacy, he’s building spaces where healing is not only allowed — it’s expected.
With over a decade of frontline experience, Kenn has helped hundreds of youth and families across Metro Atlanta and beyond transform pain into purpose and write a new future — one built, not broken.
Tekesia Shields
Founder of Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV)
Mother | Mentor | Community Builder
Tekesia Shields turned her family’s heartbreak into a mission. After her son was sentenced to prison at just 17 years old, she made it her purpose to help other mothers and youth avoid the same path.
Through Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV), Tekesia has created a safe space for healing, advocacy, and prevention — supporting families impacted by gang violence and incarceration.
With years of lived experience and grassroots leadership, she empowers both parents and youth to choose connection over cycles and rewrite their story before it’s too late.
Tekesia Shields
Founder of Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV)
Mother | Mentor | Community Builder
Lekesia Shields turned her family’s heartbreak into a mission. After her son was sentenced to prison at just 17 years old, she made it her purpose to help other mothers and youth avoid the same path.
Through Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV), Tekesia has created a safe space for healing, advocacy, and prevention — supporting families impacted by gang violence and incarceration.
With years of lived experience and grassroots leadership, she empowers both parents and youth to choose connection over cycles and rewrite their story before it’s too late.
Frequently Asked Questions
All your questions answered so you can make the right decision before moving forward and applying!
Who is the program for?
This program is for justice-involved or justice-impacted youth ages 15–18 who are ready to grow, heal, and gain real-world skills. Priority is given to youth affected by incarceration, gun violence, or school/system involvement.
Do youth get paid to attend?
Yes. Youth can earn up to $2,500 for participating fully in the program. Stipends are distributed bi-weekly based on attendance and engagement.
What is the time commitment?
The Future Ready Summer Experience is an 8-week program that runs Monday through Friday from June 2 to July 25, 2025. Youth are expected to participate in all weekly sessions, including hands-on job training, workshops, healing circles, and offsite activities. Full participation is required to remain eligible for weekly stipends and to graduate from the program.
What is the time commitment?
This is an 8-week summer program that runs Monday–Friday. Youth are expected to attend consistently to remain eligible for their stipend and graduation from the program
What do the youth actually do each week?
Each week includes: Led by Men Grieve Too™ and Mothers Against Gang Violence Lead Healing circles, Family engagement sessions, anger management & emotional intelligence workshops and Job training in trades, media, fashion, tech & more Life skills workshops on money, leadership & mindset Guest speakers and mentors
Is this therapy or counseling?
No. While the program is trauma-informed and healing-focused, it is not clinical therapy. However, we do provide support, referrals, and access to mental health professionals as needed.
Can parents be involved?
Yes. In fact, Mondays are Family Engagement Days led by Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV). We encourage parents, guardians, or trusted adults to participate in the process.
How do I refer a teen?
You can refer a teen by visiting: 👉 www.futureswithoutfear.org/futureready
Partner With Us - Help Sponsor Our Program
The Future Ready Summer Experience offers stipends for participation, but outcomes depend on each youth’s effort, consistency, and engagement. We do not guarantee employment, income, or long-term results — this program is built on healing, growth, and opportunity, not overnight success.
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