Bruce brings executive leadership and strategic direction to NGS guiding the organization’s growth, partnerships, governance, and long-term sustainability. His leadership helps ensure NGS remains mission-focused, operationally strong, and positioned to earn the trust of donors, funders, school partners, and community stakeholders as the organization expands its impact.
Trusted Leadership
Clear Vision
Student-First Impact
Led by Emmy Award-winning actor Jacob Young and former Disney Andi Mack star Trent Garrett, NGS gives underserved students access to real-world film education, professional mentorship, and industry-level storytelling opportunities. With 1,000+ TV episodes and 100+ films between them, Jacob and Trent bring Hollywood experience into the classroom for the “ultimate learning experience.
Every story starts with imagination
The NGS Story
The Story We're Building
From Spectators to Participators
Hollywood-caliber filmmaking, mentorship, and film delivered to underserved students tapping into their creative being.
01
Access
Filmmaking tools, creative language, and industry pathways — finally within reach
02
Mentorship
Working pros guide students through production, storytelling, and a real creative career
03
Governance
Clear leadership and oversight protect the mission as we grow
Governance in Action
Our Governance Commitment
Built Around Trust, Stewardship & Mission Alignment
As NGS grows, our governance rests on oversight, transparency, and student outcomes.
For donors, partners, and schools, it's how every contribution turns into real opportunity.
Governance is the framework — keeping the mission aligned with student safety, partner trust, and long-term impact
Governance Commitment To Our Donors; How We Hold Ourselves Accountable
Responsible oversight of programs and partnerships
Clear roles and decision-making accountability
Ethical stewardship of every contribution
Student-centered programs built on access and safety
Transparent communication with partners and supporters
Measurable impact reporting as we expand
Leadership Structure
The People Behind The Mission System
NGS is guided by a leadership model that brings together creative industry experience, educational strategy, community partnership development, and organizational oversight.
Executive Leadership
The executive leadership team advances the mission, builds strategic partnerships, develops programs, supports school and community relationships, and keeps NGS focused on measurable student impact.
Founding Leadership
NGS was founded by entertainment professionals who understand both the power of storytelling and the barriers many students face when trying to access the creative industry.
Governance & Board Oversight
The Board of Directors provides organizational oversight, strategic guidance, and accountability to help NGS operate with integrity, clarity, and long-term sustainability.
Advisory & Industry Support
Industry mentors, educators, production professionals, and community partners contribute expertise across screenwriting, acting, directing, cinematography, production, editing, career pathways, and student mentorship.
Meet The Leadership Team
Leadership Driven by Purpose and Passion For Story telling
Jacob Young brings Emmy Award-winning creative leadership and a deep commitment to student opportunity as Co-Founder of Next Generation Storytellers. With a career spanning television, film, Broadway, producing, directing, and youth advocacy, Jacob helps connect students to the confidence, mentorship, and industry-level experience needed to see what is possible for their future.
Trent is a seasoned Hollywood veteran with 15+ years in films and television. He brings creative leadership and hands-on production expertise as Co-Founder of NGS. Trent has been instrumental helping students navigate and guiding through the full filmmaking process — from concept development to production. He places an emphasis on building every students confidence, imagination, real-world collaboration and creative skills they need to bring their stories to life.
Not Just a Film Making Class
NGS serves as a Community Driven Career Path Platform
Mission-Driven Leadership
Leaders are personally invested in expanding access to storytelling and creative career pathways.
Industry Experience
Students are exposed to working professionals, production standards, and creative mentorship.
School Collaboration
NGS works with educators, community leaders, and institutional partners to create practical programs.
Public Recognition
Student work can be showcased through screenings, community moments, and public celebration.
Student Outcomes
The goal is confidence, communication, leadership, creativity, collaboration, and resilience.
Governance Priorities
Priorities As NGS Grows
As NGS expands its reach, leadership, governance and impact are top priorities. We are committed to expanding our curriculum, donor and sponsor transparency, impact reporting, school-district partnerships, equipment support, student career and scholarship pathways cultivated from our storytelling platform.
Strengthening board development and committee structure.
Expanding donor and sponsor transparency.
Building annual impact reporting.
Protecting student safety and program quality.
Students
Opportunity
Schools
Partnership
Donors
Stewardship
Communities
Impact
Storytellers
Open Doors
Help Build The Future