Our Founder

Hi, I'm Dr. Ashley Byars

Dr. Ashley Byars, Founder and Executive Director of The Next Step Foundation, is a dedicated youth advocate and community leader with a deep passion for helping young people discover their purpose and reach their full potential. She holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism, honoring her impactful work and commitment to empowering underserved communities.

With over a decade of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, Dr. Byars launched The Next Step Foundation to create real opportunities for youth ages 12 to 18. Her signature initiative, the Step Into Success Youth Program, is a workforce development and life skills training program that equips youth with the tools they need to prepare for high school graduation, college, careers, and independent living.

Dr. Byars leads with compassion, vision, and purpose. Through her leadership, The Next Step Foundation continues to be a powerful force in shaping confident, career-ready young leaders and guiding them toward meaningful and successful futures.

Our Misison & Vision

The mission of The Next Step Foundation is to empower youth ages 12 to 18 through the Step Into Success Youth Program by providing workforce development, mentorship, and life skills training. We equip young people from underserved communities with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to succeed in school, enter the workforce, and build strong, independent futures.

Our vision is to create a generation of youth who are confident, career-ready, and purpose-driven. We envision a future where every young person, regardless of their background, has access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for success in high school, higher education, and the workforce.