Building a future where opportunity is not determined by circumstance.
Nathan Carlson is a high school student from Cleveland, Ohio, and the founder of Kutoa Foundation. His work centers on educational access, youth leadership, and turning ambitious ideas into real opportunities.
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. That experience shaped a belief that still guides all of his work: talent is everywhere, but access is not.
He came home and founded the Kutoa Foundation, a student-led nonprofit creating educational access and opportunity. Kutoa has now raised more than $100,000 and is building a school in Namakwa, Uganda. What began as one project has grown into work spanning fundraising technology, children's literature, and youth 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