Investing in Youth. Strengthening Communities.
We support Florida’s youth with opportunities, resources, and encouragement that promote positive development, educational success, and brighter futures.
Our Goals
The Florida Youth Foundation works to achieve the following goals:
- Foster collaboration among business people, community members, parents, youths and Florida's juvenile justice system;
- Educate the business community about the crucial issues concerning juvenile crime and delinquency in the state;
- Motivate businesses to focus their expertise and resources on the development and implementation of effective solutions for juvenile justice problems;
- Facilitate the public-private partnership process by assisting businesses and public institutions in developing successful working relationships targeted at reducing juvenile crime and delinquency;
Welcome
The Foundation serves to change lives – the lives of students, the lives of their parents, the lives of the citizens in our community – by promoting delinquency prevention, intervention and educational opportunities for youth.
A board of community leaders makes up the Foundation's board of directors. Collectively, the Board creates policies, provides direction, raises funds, and stewards all funds raised to enhance the activities of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
Message from the Director
At the Florida Youth Foundation, our mission is to change lives—those of students, their families, and the communities they call home—by promoting delinquency prevention, intervention, and educational opportunities for youth. When we empower young people to build bright futures, we not only ensure positive outcomes for them but also contribute to the development of stronger, safer communities across Florida.
Youth success remains at the heart of everything we do. Through targeted scholarship opportunities for juvenile justice-involved youth and inspiring initiatives such as our Youth of the Month award, we shine a light on the progress and potential of youth in our system, encouraging them to continue moving forward.
We are especially excited to announce the launch of our new Legacy Scholarship platform, created in partnership with Florida Prepaid. This innovative initiative allows us to expand our impact by providing access to long-term educational resources and college savings plans—helping youth turn their potential into real, lasting success.
In addition to our youth-centered efforts, we proudly recognize the unwavering commitment of those who serve within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Through our Everyday Heroes initiative, we honor the professionals who go above and beyond to ensure youth are cared for, guided, and supported every step of the way.
We invite you to join us in this critical and rewarding work. Whether you’re an individual, business, or community partner, your involvement helps build a network of support that uplifts youth across the state.
Thank you for believing in our mission, and most importantly, in the power and promise of our youth.
- Director Shannon M. Baker
DJJ Youth Ambassadors
At the Florida Youth Foundation, we believe in the power and promise of our young people. Each year, we are proud to honor the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s Youth Ambassadors — young individuals who exemplify resilience, leadership, and a commitment to personal growth.
Find out more about our Youth Ambassadors program.
Youth of the Month Award
It is with great excitement that the Florida Youth Foundation (formerly the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation) announces the Youth of the Month Program. All program areas may nominate a youth that meets the established criteria. Each month, one youth’s name will be drawn with the winner receiving a $100 Walmart Gift card as a reward for making tremendous strides in their personal development.
- Youth of the Month Nomination Form (Nominations will only be accepted on the last 10 days of the month)
- Printable Flyer
- DJJ Media Release
And the winner is...
Please help the Florida Youth Foundation congratulate Youth D.W. from Circuit 18 for their tremendous work during the month of April! Their benchmark accomplishments in the following areas: academics, emotional discipline, and positive behavior outcomes have crowned them FYF’s Youth of the Month (April 2026). A great big FYF shout out to Danielle David for nominating and celebrating the development of our award winner! 🏅
#FYF
#GiveMe$FIVE
#BeTheExample
Make a Donation And Support the Future of the Youth
Make a contribution to help change the lives of students, parents, citizens in our community; by promoting delinquency prevention, intervention and educational opportunities for youth.
To donate, click here, or click on the Give Me $Five logo to the right.
View our printable flyer here.
