Something for every stage.

Elementary School | K–5

Build strong academic foundations through tutoring and mentorship.

Focus on:

  • Math
  • Science
  • Reading
  • History
  • Spanish mastery

Encourage confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning from an early age in a friendly environment. Students will get to pick their tutors from a wide variety of amazing kids — this includes all members.

Middle School | 6–8

Everything offered at the elementary level, plus:

  • Introduction to careers, especially the legal profession.
  • Guest speakers from many different professions who share their experiences.
  • Personal testimonies from Defy the Odds members about overcoming challenges.
  • Students will hear one central question:
    • “How did you defy the odds?”
    • “What changed the direction of your life?”
    — answered by every invited speaker and every selected member who speaks (all will speak).
  • Seventh and eighth graders begin really thinking about high school, college, and future careers before entering high school.

High School | 9–10

  • Instruction in Math, Science, History, Reading, Writing, and Early Law.
  • Mentorship from AP, Dual Enrollment, and AICE Cambridge students who have excelled. Students needing academic support will be paired with mentors who have successfully completed those same classes.
  • Powerful, heartfelt, and impactful testimonies from Defy the Odds members and guest speakers.
  • Kevin Garcia, Founder of Defy the Odds, will share his personal testimony, his belief in hard work, and the journey that led to opportunities in government, judicial internships, law firms, and community leadership. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an open discussion. This will be the only age group to hear Kevin’s full story.
  • Guest speakers from across Manatee County, with the long-term vision of welcoming professionals from across Florida and eventually the United States, representing a wide variety of careers and industries.
  • Students interested in a particular profession will be connected, whenever possible, with professionals or individuals actively pursuing that career for one-on-one conversations or school presentations.
  • Resume workshops and resume reviews, including examples of the resumes that helped secure Senate campaign opportunities, judicial internships, and law firm experiences, while teaching students how to build competitive resumes of their own.
  • Education on the importance of the SAT and how it can impact college admissions, scholarships, and future opportunities.
  • Students will be introduced to college advisors who can provide expert guidance on FAFSA, scholarships, financial aid, and the college application process.
  • Every student will be encouraged to create a professional LinkedIn profile and begin building a professional network before graduation.
  • Connections to internships, government, political campaigns, law, business, and community leadership opportunities.