Next Generation began in 1993 when Steve Robinson started meeting with students at East Jefferson High School during the lunch hour. By the fall of 1994, this “lunch club” took place in three other Jefferson Parish high schools. During the 1994-95 school year, there was a tremendous growth in the number of students participating, with over 200 young people weekly attending the lunch clubs.
In the 1995-96 school year, a fourth club was added and Next Generation officially became non-profit organization. From 1996-98 Next Generation, Inc. continued their expansion to include 8 Jefferson Parish Schools. From 2000-2002, the Assistant Director, Jason Robinson, continued to maintain the clubs with the help of trained leaders from within the schools.
In 2002 Ben Comer was appointed as a full-time Director, taking Next Generation to a whole new level. As our staff and influence continue to expand beyond 30 schools and 2500 students, this vision is still the driving force behind all we do:
Change the Campus, Change the Culture.
