There is no shortage of talent in Jacksonville. Every day, young people across our city imagine, build, create, and dream. They ask big questions, solve problems in ways adults do not expect, and see possibilities others overlook.
The challenge has never been talent. The challenge has always been opportunity.
Who introduces a student to an engineer before that student chooses a career? Who encourages a young person to believe they belong in a science lab, a technology company, or the boardroom of a business they may one day build? Who opens that first door?
For The DuBlasé Foundation, those questions are the reason the organization exists.
Founded on the belief that talent is universal, but access to opportunity is not, the Jacksonville nonprofit creates pathways for young people to discover futures they may never have imagined for themselves. From kindergarten through college, students are connected to scholarships, competitions, mentorship, career exposure, and hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
But the Foundation is not simply delivering programs. It is helping young people see themselves differently.
“Success isn’t measured solely by what we accomplish, but by how many lives we help shape along the way.”
That belief comes alive in the Minecraft Education New Jax City Build Challenge, one of the Foundation’s signature initiatives. At first glance, students are recreating Jacksonville inside a virtual world. Look closer, and something much bigger is happening.
Students work in teams to tackle real-world challenges. They think critically, test ideas, communicate their solutions, and stand before educators, business leaders, and industry professionals to explain the city they believe Jacksonville can become.
“Students aren’t just recreating Jacksonville in a virtual world—they’re tackling real-world challenges, strengthening critical thinking skills, collaborating as teams, and presenting their vision for what they want their city to become.”
Watching those students present is more than inspiring. It is evidence that the next generation of innovators is already here. What they need are opportunities to practice, to be seen, and to discover that their ideas carry weight.
Opening More Than One Door
The Foundation’s work extends far beyond one competition. Its programs meet students at different points in their journey, removing barriers and creating moments that can change what comes next.
SAT Forward provides students with support that helps offset SAT exam costs and encourages them to take an important step toward college with confidence.
Operation Calculation equips tutoring and mentorship organizations with school board–approved calculators, giving students the tools they need to strengthen their math skills and become more confident problem-solvers.
STEAM in public spaces. Through Placemaking Jax at Brooklyn Park, a STEAM-inspired basketball court connects artistic expression, geometry, movement, and exercise science in a place the community can use for years to come.
Each initiative looks different, but each asks the same question: How do we help one more young person believe that their future can be bigger than their circumstances?
“Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation, one experience, or one opportunity to completely change how a student sees their future.”
A Community That Chooses to Invest Early
The DuBlasé Foundation understands that students do not grow in isolation. They grow when professionals mentor them, businesses sponsor opportunities, educators make room for curiosity, and organizations choose to work together instead of separately.
That is why the Foundation’s greatest need right now is not simply more programming. It is a larger network of mission-aligned partners across the public and private sectors—people and organizations willing to invest in education, innovation, leadership, and youth development together.
Jacksonville’s future will not be built by one nonprofit. It will be built by young people who were given the chance to discover what they are capable of—and by a community that chose to believe in them before they fully believed in themselves.
Why We Chose This Organization
At JAX Business Calendar, we believe strong business communities are built long before someone lands a first job. They are built when young people discover possibility, when mentors share their experience, and when businesses understand that developing future talent is not an act of charity—it is an investment in the community we will all depend on.
That is why we are proud to feature The DuBlasé Foundation as one of the first organizations in our Community Spotlight series.
Ways to Support
Volunteer
Make a donation
Become a sponsor
Become a community or corporate partner
Share the organization’s work with your network
“If our story inspires even one person to become a mentor, support a student, open a door, believe in the potential of a young person, or invest in our mission, then we’ve accomplished something far greater than telling our own story. We’ve helped start someone else’s.”
