A student leader building tools and movements that outlast him.
Nathan Carlson is a high school student from Cleveland, Ohio — and the founder of Kutoa Foundation. His work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, public service, and international development.
It started with a mission trip to Tanzania. Standing in a classroom with children whose ambition dwarfed the resources available to them, Nathan realized that opportunity — not talent — was the missing variable.
He came home and founded the Kutoa Foundation, a student-led nonprofit creating opportunities for children through education, service, and hope. What began as one project has grown into a portfolio of organizations spanning fundraising technology, children's literature, and civic leadership.
Today Nathan is passionate about business, politics, and social impact — and is committed to showing other young people that they don't need permission to start.
Helping the next generation find their way.
Nathan is committed to mentoring young people who want to make a difference. Whether it's starting a nonprofit, building a business, organizing in your community, or just figuring out your first step, he wants to help kids connect with opportunities, encouragement, and each other.
- One-on-one mentorship
- Connection to peers and partners
- Guidance on projects and ideas
- A community of young changemakers