Project Next

What Project Next does

Project Next (legally The San Marcos Promise DBA Project Next) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006 in San Marcos, California, that delivers college and career readiness programming to high school students in North County San Diego. It operates eight embedded Future Centers at partner high schools across the San Marcos Unified School District, Escondido Union High School District (added 2024), and Oceanside, along with one partner site at A Step Beyond. Year-round Career Coaches deliver 1:1 coaching, strengths assessments, financial aid guidance, interview practice, and life-skills training, while a portfolio of events (Interview Skills Day, Connect to Careers, Career Expeditions, Networking Hours, #Adulting Workshops, the First Time Job Fair, and the Money Matters financial literacy series) connect students with 413 volunteer professionals annually. Specialized partner programs include the CAPS Network Profession-Based Learning collaboration, Neighborhood Healthcare Summer Internship, READI real estate program with USD's Burnham-Moores Center, and the HomeAid Construction Training Program.

The core product surface spans Future Centers, Career Coaches, the Focused Futures two-year program (formerly Xcelerate), Skillshops, Career Closets, a VR career exploration tool, and online assessments (SuperStrong, Career Edge, Next Gen Personal Finance). Underlying technology is minimal; the organization uses Donorbox for online donations, JotForm for intake forms, and standard productivity tools, with no proprietary platform or AI/ML capabilities.

Project Next's revenue model is donations-based, combining individual donations (one-time and recurring via Donorbox), structured corporate partnerships priced at $5,000 (Future Builder) through $25,000+ (Visionary Partner), district-linked giving through the San Marcos Unified PALS program, and foundation/government grants. GTM is community-led: distribution runs through school district partnerships, embedded campus presence, volunteer professional networks, and earned media coverage in regional outlets. The beneficiary customer segment is high school students, with school districts and local employers serving as institutional partners and funders.

Name

Project Next

Legal name

The San Marcos Promise DBA Project Next

Website

https://projectnext.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Project Next is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs eight embedded Future Centers at partner high schools in North County San Diego, delivering year-round career coaching, college readiness, financial aid guidance, and workforce exposure to high school students in San Marcos, Escondido, and Oceanside.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Career and College Readiness Services

NAICS

Educational Services (61), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAMAKAG

Career Readiness & Employability Skills (Resume, Interview, Networking)

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/College & Career Enrichment (Mentorship, Internships, Portfolio)

SECONDARYEDAMAKAA

Mentorship & Coaching (Career, Academic, Industry-Specific)

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/College & Career Enrichment (Mentorship, Internships, Portfolio)

SECONDARYEDAMAKAC

Career Exploration & Job Shadowing Programs

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/College & Career Enrichment (Mentorship, Internships, Portfolio)

SECONDARYEDALABAB

Career Services & Career Readiness

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Academic Advising, Career Services & Student Success

SECONDARYEDAMAKAM

Alumni, Peer & Community Networking Programs

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/College & Career Enrichment (Mentorship, Internships, Portfolio)

Keywords

• Career readiness programs
• College preparation services
• Youth workforce development
• High school mentoring
• Financial aid assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

San Marcos

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual donors through Donorbox platform and mailed donations. Tax-deductible 501(c)(3) contributions.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Tiered corporate partnership program with Visionary Partner ($25,000+), Impact Ally ($15,000+), Pathway Champion ($10,000+), and Future Builder ($5,000+) levels. Includes recognition benefits, career talks, networking events, and logo placement.
3. SMUSD PALS Program: Partners Advancing Lives of Students (PALS) donation program through San Marcos Unified School District.
4. Grant Funding: Funding from foundations and government grants supporting specific programs such as Financial Aid Coach position and Focused Futures program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Project Next delivers free college and career readiness services to high school students at 8 embedded Future Centers across North County San Diego. Year-round Career Coaches provide 1:1 support covering strengths identification, career exploration, college applications, financial aid, interview preparation, and job search. Programs span multi-year cohorts (Focused Futures), out-of-school workshops (Skillshops), professional clothing (Career Closets), virtual reality career exploration, and standardized online assessments, supplemented by events that connect students to local employers.

Product overview

Project Next is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive suite of college and career readiness programs and services for high school students. The core offerings include Future Centers (on-campus career planning hubs staffed by Career Coaches), Focused Futures (a two-year career exploration program), Skillshops (out-of-school workshops), Career Closets (professional clothing), Virtual Reality exploration tools, and Gold Standard Online Resources including SuperStrong assessments, Career Edge, and Next Gen Personal Finance. The organization also runs numerous events including Interview Skills Day, Connect to Careers, Career Expeditions, and Networking Hours. Partner programs include CAPS Network, Neighborhood Healthcare internships, and the READI real estate program. Services are provided at partner high schools in San Marcos, Escondido, and Oceanside, North County San Diego.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Future Centers On-campus career and college planning centers staffed year-round by trained Career Coaches that help high school students discover career pathways, explore postsecondary options, and develop skills needed for life after graduation. Eight locations currently operate across San Marcos, Escondido, and Oceanside.
• Career Coaches
• Focused Futures A two-year program that equips students with mentorship, skills, and experiences to explore careers and pursue postsecondary goals, supporting students from junior year through graduation. Formed by merging the Xcelerate program with Focused Futures.
• Skillshops Multi-session out-of-school-time workshops that teach college and career readiness, soft skills, financial literacy, and other critical topics to high school students.
• Career Closets Service providing gently-used professional clothing to students preparing for interviews and professional settings, removing a financial barrier to professional dress.
• Virtual Reality College and Career Exploration Virtual reality headsets deployed at each Future Center with college and career exploration and public speaking software that allows students to experience environments and roles.
• Gold Standard Online Resources Suite of online assessment and educational programs—SuperStrong Interest Inventory Assessment, Career Edge, and Next Gen Personal Finance—available to all students for self-assessment and financial literacy learning.
• Ambassador Program Program that empowers students to bring their voices to planning and serve as a bridge to their peers while engaging in bimonthly personal and professional development activities.
• Experienceships Programs that connect students with various local businesses to gain first-hand exposure and real-world experience in professional settings.
• CAPS Network Partnership Program Strategic partnership creating Profession-Based Learning experiences where students collaborate with industry professionals to solve real-world challenges, apply technical and durable skills, and develop solutions with authentic value beyond the classroom.
• Neighborhood Healthcare Summer Internship 3-week unpaid summer work-based learning experience connecting student interns to Neighborhood Healthcare's workforce, providing understanding of various health career pathways. Students present capstone projects upon completion.
• READI Program (Real Estate Awareness Diversity Initiative) Semester-long program in partnership with USD's Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate giving students an inside look at career paths within commercial real estate through exclusive access to local companies and industry professionals.
• Interview Skills Day On-campus event where local professionals lead small group sessions focused on essential interview skills, professional communication, and first impressions for high school students.
• Connect to Careers Interactive breakfast that brings high school students together with professionals from various industries for meaningful table conversations about career pathways.
• First Time Job Fair Annual event connecting high school students with local employers seeking entry-level and part-time employees, held in partnership with San Diego Workforce Partnership.
• Career Expeditions Off-campus workplace visits where students tour facilities, meet employees, and gain insight into skills and education required for different roles.
• Money Matters Financial literacy education program delivered by industry professionals covering budgeting, credit, saving, and financial decision making, in partnership with Financial Beginnings.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% of high school grads say they don't feel ready to make college and career choices - Project Next addresses this gap
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Century Club of San Diego / Farmers Insurance Open Champions for YouthflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Project Next selected as newest nonprofit partner in the 2025-26 Champions for Youth program, the charitable arm of the Farmers Insurance Open. Provides significant visibility and funding through one of San Diego's largest sporting events.
• ASMLcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Host of Career Expedition for 54 students in August 2025. Students gained firsthand exposure to semiconductor technology careers through facility tours, poster presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and conversations with employees and interns.
• Escondido Union High School DistrictflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Second major school district partner. Expansion began in Fall 2024 with Future Centers at Escondido High School and Escondido Charter High School. Represents significant geographic growth.
• CAPS NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership creating opportunities for students to engage in Profession-Based Learning (Pro-BL). Students collaborate with industry professionals to solve real-world challenges, apply technical and durable skills, and develop solutions with authentic value beyond the classroom.
• Neighborhood HealthcarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood Healthcare Summer Internship connects student interns to the healthcare organization's workforce, providing understanding of various health career pathways through a 3-week unpaid summer work-based learning experience. Students present capstone projects upon completion.
• University of San Diego Burnham-Moores Center for Real EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the READI (Real Estate Awareness Diversity Initiative) Program giving students inside look at career paths within commercial real estate. Over a semester, participants explore the full spectrum through exclusive access to local companies and industry professionals.
• A Step BeyondcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to expand college and career readiness support for high school students in North County. Includes joint Future Center at A Step Beyond location with shared Career Coach and Financial Aid Coach.
• HomeAid San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeAid Construction Training Program provides at-promise students with construction trade skills and job placement support. Student Anthony completed the program and is now interviewing with prospective companies.
• Action Air Conditioning, Heating and SolarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAction Academy partnership through Xcelerate program exposes students to the trades. Company recruits from local community with support from Project Next helping grow community exposure and provide long-term career opportunities for local residents.
• San Diego Workforce PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the annual First Time Job Fair connecting high school students with local employers seeking entry-level and part-time employees. Gives students direct access to hiring managers and real job opportunities.
• Financial BeginningscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Money Matters financial literacy education program. Industry professionals deliver engaging presentations on budgeting, credit, saving, and financial decision making throughout the school year.
• San Marcos Unified School DistrictflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary school district partner since founding. Project Next operates Future Centers at San Marcos, Mission Hills, and Twin Oaks high schools. PALS (Partners Advancing Lives of Students) donation program connects district supporters to the organization.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• iMentor: iMentor pairs underserved high school students with volunteer professional mentors for college and career success — comparable to Project Next's volunteer-professional-driven career coaching, networking events, and Future Center mentorship model.
• Bottom Line: Bottom Line is a college-and-career access nonprofit providing 1:1 coaching to high school and college students from low-income backgrounds — closely comparable to Project Next's Career Coaches model serving first-generation and underserved students with postsecondary planning support.
• America Needs You: America Needs You provides intensive mentorship and career development for first-generation college students through near-peer mentors and professional networks — comparable to Project Next's first-generation student support model and volunteer professional pipeline.
• Genesys Works: Genesys Works is a national nonprofit that places underserved high school students into professional internships and corporate work experiences, with a similar mission of bridging underserved students into career pathways through employer partnerships and school-district relationships.
• Junior Achievement of San Diego: Junior Achievement of San Diego is a regional nonprofit delivering workforce readiness, financial literacy, and career exploration programs to K-12 students through school-partnered delivery — a directly comparable career-readiness model targeting high school students via district and corporate partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• Per Scholas: Per Scholas is an established national nonprofit providing tuition-free technology and trades training to adults from low-income communities — a broader incumbent in workforce-development training with employer-led hiring outcomes, comparable in mission to Project Next's trades and technical career pathways.
• Year Up: Year Up is a large, established national workforce-development nonprofit providing skills training and corporate internships to young adults — a broader incumbent operating in an overlapping career-readiness / workforce-development space with employer partnership structure similar to Project Next's corporate partner programs.
• KIPP SoCal Public Schools: KIPP SoCal is a large charter school network with an embedded college and career readiness curriculum — comparable as a broader incumbent providing school-embedded career guidance, though as a school operator rather than an external nonprofit partner.

Regional players

• San Diego Workforce Partnership: San Diego Workforce Partnership is a regional workforce development intermediary that convenes employers, schools, and job seekers — already a Project Next partner on the First Time Job Fair, and comparable in mission around entry-level youth workforce pipelines.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County: Big Brothers Big Sisters San Diego is a regional nonprofit operating youth mentoring programs in the same geography, also relying on volunteer professionals and school-based partnerships — comparable in delivery channels and youth-mentorship approach though broader in age range and mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/projectnext1

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles28 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Project Next