NEXT Academy helps teens of African diaspora families discover who they are, grow strong in faith and character, and step into their purpose — grounded, responsible, and ready to lead.
Equip
God's Word and practical life skills to build a solid foundation.
Grow
Spiritual awareness, emotional intelligence, and self-discipline.
Lead
Thriving in today's world and fulfilling purpose — without fear.
Raising a godly leader is a process of maturation, not a one-time event. Our year-long community walks your teen through three critical levels of growth.
Devotion & discipline — breaking spiritual laziness and building a "God-First" routine with daily prayer, journaling, and a mastery of responsibility.
Formation & character — navigating modern influences with a biblical lens, building unshakable self-worth, and learning to communicate with confidence.
Impact & leadership — leading a circle, mentoring a Year 1 Pathfinder, and creating a "NEXT Project" that solves a real need in their community.
A focused, 4-week intensive just for your teen: deep personal breakthroughs, specific goal-setting, and a personal "purpose map" built together with Aunty Kemi.
The early years shape a child's future. NEXT Academy Juniors helps children ages 7-10 build confidence, character, faith, and life skills in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment.
Every session and resource in the community is built on these foundations.
Anchoring teens in faith while they navigate the dual reality of being of African descent in a Western world — so the world can't tell them otherwise.
Self-control, emotional intelligence, integrity, and personal responsibility — mentally prepared for today's chaos.
Real-world skills, leadership development, and strategic thinking that launch teens into their unique assignment.
A close-knit "second home" where every teen and parent feels seen, heard, and supported — with tools to keep the growth going at your dinner table.
Founder & Creative Director
Oluwakemi Okegbenro, known to our teens as "Aunty Kemi" is a wife and mother of three who serves along with her husband as Resident Pastor at Winners Chapel International Richmond. She is also a certified life coach with over 16 years of experience mentoring young people. She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid mentor. Her calling was born from a college prayer: "Lord, use me to reach any young person that ever comes my way." That prayer became NEXT Academy, Vessel of Mercy Discipleship Academy, and a mentoring movement that has guided teens, young ladies, and women toward faith, purpose, and leadership. She is also the author of Core Values: Your Success Blueprint and Crafting Your Personal Core Values.
"Rooted faith. Real talk. True growth. Every young person carries a seed of greatness — let's help them grow into the light God has called them to be."
Aunty Kemi wrote the Power Combo to help teens and families put faith, values, and purpose into daily practice. These two guides work together to shape identity, build character, and create a personal success blueprint that lasts.
Core Values + Personal Core Values Worksheet
Perfect for the season — and perfect for any teen or family ready to grow. One book teaches the transformative power of core values; the companion worksheet guides you to craft your own.
Get the Power ComboFrom circle chats and career nights to shared meals and big breakthroughs — browse the moments, press play on the stories, and hear from the families walking this journey with us.
A quick hello from the NEXT Academy family — who we are and why we gather.
Community, worship, and purpose come alive at a NEXT gathering.
A young leader shares what changed when they joined the NEXT Hub.
“One thing I love about NEXT is the closeness that comes with being with the other teens in the program. Class is taught in such a way that it's easy to understand yet also very applicable. Another great aspect of being in NEXT is being able to collab with your fellow Nexters and work on projects with real life solutions. It's educating but also helps you communicate better and build friends along the way.”
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Highflyer
“A principle that really changed my view on certain things was understanding how important it is to love yourself and others the same way God loved us. I've learned to not just tolerate others' differences but instead embrace them and be more aware of the things people may be going through.”
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Highflyer
“Thank you so much ma, I really appreciate all you do for us here at NEXT. You consistently showed up for us when it was hard. I'm grateful for the impact you have over my life and everyone else as well. You taught me more about myself and the importance of having values in my life and also a good support system. I can say I am who I am today because of how everyone here has been such a wonderful role in my life. Thank you so much and I am glad to be taking this community along with me into 2026! I love everyone and once again. Thank You!”
EI
NEXT LEVEL
Honest words from the teens themselves — on identity, friendship, faith, and what it's really like to grow up in the village.
Faith & ChangeTwelve years old, a sudden move two hours from everything familiar, and lunches spent crying in the school bathroom. Nifemi didn't know it yet, but God's 'no' to her comfort was really a 'yes' to new friends, new sports, and a closer walk with Him.
Read the full story →Nifemi A. 10th grade
CharacterAn avid romance reader who swore she'd never stop — until, at seventeen, getting right with God meant the books had to go. Debbie shares the radical cut-off that gave her back her imagination, her time with God, and inspired others to do the same.
Read the full story →Debbie O. 12th Grade
GrowthA late soccer game, a pile of homework, and the temptation to quit — Korede unpacks the night that taught him a mindset for life: "What's the next best thing I can do?" Why changing your plan doesn't mean you're failing.
Read the full story →Korede O. 11th Grade
GrowthCut from the volleyball team in seventh grade, she poured everything into track instead — backyard drills, prayer, and early mornings. By the end of eighth grade, she held two school records.
Read the full story →Bukunmi A. 9TH GRADE
GrowthHonors English started as an easy A+ — until the tests got harder and his grade slid to an 87. Kylian shares the wake-up call that taught him what happens when you coast, and how one last assignment changed everything.
Read the full story →Kylian A. 11TH GRADE
Faith & ChangeShe was sure the honors society acceptance was automatic — until the letter came back with a no. Ipin reflects on the humbling that followed and why the 'no' you're hearing now might be God taking you to a different level.
Read the full story →Ipin O. 8TH GRADE
CharacterTrack & Field was her happy place — until practice started feeling like a burden and her confidence sank. Faith shares how she found the courage to step away, and what she learned about herself on the other side.
Read the full story →Faith O. 9TH GRADE
Faith & ChangeStraight A's, total independence, no need for God — or so she thought. Mary-Ann tells how one honest conversation with friends led to real repentance, daily Bible study, and a faith that's finally her own.
Read the full story →Mary-Ann A. 9TH GRADE
Still wondering if NEXT Academy is the right fit? Here are honest answers to the questions we hear most.
Ask us on WhatsAppNEXT Academy is a faith-rooted mentoring community for African diaspora teens and families in the USA. We help young people discover their identity, build strong character, and grow into confident, purpose-driven leaders — with parents walking alongside them as part of the village.
The NEXT Hub is open to teenagers ready for a 3-year leadership journey. NEXT Academy Juniors is designed for children ages 7–10 who are beginning to build confidence, character, and life skills early.
We offer The NEXT Hub, a year-long group membership that moves through three levels: The Pathfinder (Year 1), The High-Flyer (Year 2), and The Commander (Year 3). We also offer The Blueprint, a private 4-week 1:1 mentoring intensive with Aunty Kemi, and NEXT Academy Juniors for ages 7–10.
We are faith-rooted, not religious in a rigid sense. Our foundation is biblical truth, prayer, and godly values — shared in a warm, relatable way that meets teens where they are and helps families grow together.
Teens meet in a close-knit community for teaching, discussions, projects, and real-life application. Parents receive support to keep the conversation going at home. The Blueprint offers a more personal, focused experience for teens who need deeper breakthroughs.
The NEXT Hub meets regularly throughout the year with sessions built around devotion, discipline, character formation, and leadership. Exact schedules are shared during enrollment. The Blueprint is a focused 4-week intensive.
Program fees and details are shared during the application process. We keep our community accessible and intentional, and we are happy to talk through options with your family.
That is exactly why the village matters. Many of our teens start quiet and slowly find their voice through safe circles, mentorship, and projects that let them lead at their own pace. No one is rushed; everyone belongs.
Start by clicking 'Join us' or 'Start your application' to fill out the form. For NEXT Academy Juniors, use the dedicated registration link. You can also reach us on WhatsApp or by phone if you have questions first.
Join us in shaping the NEXT generation of leaders — whether you're a parent ready to enroll your teen, or a young person ready to grow.
