A Message From Our Founder
Kids Next Door was created to make sure every young person has access to mentorship, support, and the opportunities they need to succeed. Growing up in Prince George’s County and later attending Georgetown University, I experienced how powerful the right guidance can be.
That’s why we built KND—to ensure students don’t have to navigate their future alone. Our programs open doors to college, careers, and personal growth, helping young people see what’s possible and giving them the confidence to pursue it.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with the next generation of leaders.
- Tyler I. Smith, Founder
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders with the tools, exposure, and support needed to succeed in high school and beyond. Through mentorship, career exploration, and real-world community impact, we help students explore post-secondary opportunities, build skills, and take control of their futures.
Our Solution
Kids Next Door empowers secondary students with soft skills for higher education and competitive industries, using the expertise of young professionals and college students.
Through partnerships with universities, businesses and local organizations, we provide real-world exposure to college, careers, and community engagement, building a network of scholar-leaders committed to uplifting each other and their communities.
Join our Surge Pathways program to keep your student engaged and intentional about shaping their future.
Did You Know?
Limited resources and overcrowding prevent many high schools from effectively guiding students to college and career opportunities.
In under-resourced public high schools, there are about 376 students for every one counselor—far above the recommended ratio. With limited time, counselors can only offer around 38 minutes of college guidance per student. Without family support or help navigating complex systems like financial aid, many students are left behind.