Guiding Youth to Lead with Confidence and Purpose
CLASS: Committed Leaders Achieving Success and Significance
At the Academy of CLASS, we empower middle and high school youth — especially those from underserved communities — to grow into confident, capable, and self-sufficient leaders. Through bilingual mentorship, emotional intelligence training, and real-world life skills, we equip students to rise above challenges, lead with purpose, and impact their communities. Our programs help youth discover their voice, unlock their potential, and walk with pride into a future they create.
We shape confident, resilient leaders with purpose.
Through close mentoring and real-life tools, we empower marginalized youth to thrive and build meaningful futures.
Our Programs
The Academy of CLASS creates an opportunity for participants to build strong relationships with trained mentors, learn to balance their lives and achieve healthy independence. We support teens through our unique mentoring program that teaches success strategies, instills healthy habits and promotes goal setting.
Get Involved
Unlike other programs that are fundamentally based on theory, our methodology is based on hands-on experience with teens, parents and institution and choosing the approaches that have worked best and providing results.
Volunteer
Choose from a variety of roles! From coaching and teaching to logistical support at training events- our volunteers are also serve as advocates to our program. Allowing youth and other organizations know that we are here to provide support.
Donate
Let's prepare tomorrow's leaders today. We provide training, resources and assistance to teens who may otherwise not have support. Every little bit counts. You can donate your time, money or resources. Donations are tax-deductible. Feeling a nudge to support us?
Looking for Support or Resources?
We are here to assist.
If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for trusted support, life-changing programs, or mentoring for your child, we’re here to help. The Academy of CLASS offers empowering, bilingual programs for youth ages 11–17 in South Florida — with a focus on Homestead, Naranja, Perrine, Florida City, Kendall, and North Miami. Whether your child needs confidence-building, emotional support, or leadership opportunities, we provide a safe space to grow and succeed. Complete our short referral form, and a team member will reach out to guide you through next steps.
Shaping Confident Leaders of Tomorrow
Our Mission
Academy of CLASS empowers marginalized youth to overcome or prevent challenges like teen pregnancy, abuse, poverty, homelessness, abuse, and foster care. Our program equips teens with essential life skills, including etiquette, personal development, and self-sustainability, helping them grow into self-sufficient adults.
Through confidence-building, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy, we guide teens toward positive decision-making and success. Grounded in Leadership, Health, Family, Integrity, and Service, we’re committed to creating a future where every teen knows their worth and is empowered to thrive.
Testimonials
Dedicated professionals enhancing educational outcomes
Thanks to Academy of CLASS I feel better prepared for my future. I now have a plan after high school. I enjoyed all of the fun activities we have done and I have learned a whole lot. Everything Ms. Mery taught us is useful and I know it will come in handy.
Crystal
Grade 12 Student
We are so grateful to what Academy of CLASS teaches our girls. They are truly excited. Every lesson is a new opportunity for our girls learn and be even more prepared for life.
Ms. Grice-Burks
Former Principal
Philanthropic efforts from people like you help us in our efforts to break the cycle of abuse, heal the pain of children who have suffered abuse, find a family for children who can never return home and to prepare teens in our care for successful transitions to adulthood.
R. Coote
Former CHS Philanthropy Director
Meet Our Founder
Mery N. Dominguez is a remarkable embodiment of resilience and the transformative power of commitment, proving that obstacles can be turned into opportunities. As a teenage mother, she faced difficult circumstances, yet she triumphed by graduating high school while caring for her seven-month-old daughter. This incredible feat is a testament to her unwavering determination and strength.
Upon completing high school, her journey began at Florida International University, where she earned her teacher degree; a career she aspired to pursue for a short term. However, her profound passion for education and her desire to make a difference in the lives of young people led her to dedicate over two decades to this noble profession. Mery has not only shaped the minds of countless students but has also inspired them to believe in their potential. Mery holds a Masters Degree from University of Miami and an Educational Specialist Degree from Nova South Eastern University. Among her accolades, is one of her most treasured projects.
In 2012, Mery took a bold step to address a critical need in her community by founding the Academy of CLASS. This initiative was born from her understanding of the unique challenges faced by pregnant teens. What started as a focused effort to uplift young mothers has blossomed into a comprehensive program that serves marginalized youth across South Florida. The Academy of CLASS now offers a wide range of resources designed to empower young individuals, equipping them with the tools to overcome obstacles and thrive as self-sufficient adults. Mery's unwavering commitment to fostering resilience and empowerment is a call to action for all of us to support the next generation in realizing their dreams.