support our Teen fishing & Captaining apprenticesHIP
In a time when teens are struggling to transition to adulthood and the workforce, our youth want to work, want and contribute to their community through small business.
Let’s Raise Up the Next Generation.
We're launching an on-the-water apprenticeship program preparing youth for careers on the water. Help us get it off the dock - every tax deductible donation makes a difference. Learn more below.
Why Choose Colossal Academy Jacksonville
What We're Building
As a Guy Harvey School, Colossal Academy Jacksonville is launching our Fishing & Captaining Apprenticeship - a hands-on program for 10th–12th graders that blends academics and real-world experience with professional inshore and offshore anglers, spinning and fly, conservation, and small business development.
Students train directly with professional captains, log hours on the water, learn the business side of fishing, and work toward earning their captain’s licenses — all while still in high school.
This program was built for students who are ready to work, launch businesses, and build lives outdoors. We’re here to channel that drive into real careers, right now.
Why it Matters
For Students:
Hands-on experience, certifications, and career pathways — from charter captain to crew to marine science to entrepreneur.ship - students gain real-world skills that connect passion with purpose.
For the City:
Jacksonville’s coastal economy depends on a healthy marine ecosystem. This program equips the next generation to sustain and grow our outdoor industries through responsible practices.
For the Community:
With mentorship, hard work, and stewardship at its core, the program builds young leaders who protect our waterways, give back through service, and inspire others to stay connected to nature and community.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a fellow outdoorsman, educator, parent, or conservationist — we invite you to be part of something meaningful.
Offer Your Time or Resources
Captains, fishermen, entrepreneurs, or any individual, organization or business in fishing, boating or water science have skills our students need.
Donate or Become a Sponsor
Donations from $25 to $10,000 for start-up costs are needed and tax deductible - see Sponsorship Tiers below.
Share
Share this page with people you know who might be interested in something new and meaningful..
Help Our Cause
Discover Colossal Academy Jacksonville High School
What Do Your Donations Support?
Have Questions or Want to Jump Aboard?
Have Questions or Want to Jump Aboard?
Donations go directly to compensating Captains for their time, fuel and other costs on the water and to certification instructors.
Students learn on the water 4 hours weekly, under the supervision of professional captains and anglers for three years.
By the 2026-2027 school year, our program will be self-sustaining.
We are seeking sponsorships and donations to help us launch this start-up year.
Have Questions or Want to Jump Aboard?
Have Questions or Want to Jump Aboard?
Have Questions or Want to Jump Aboard?
We'd love to hear from you!
In a time when teens are struggling to transition to adulthood and the workforce, this is an opportunity to support youth who want to work, want to work in nature with their hands and contribute to their community through small business.
Let’s Raise Up the Next Generation