In good company
Built alongside partners who know this work
The Rithm Project
… and others joining as the Fellowship takes shape.
Eleven young people, ages 14–22, are spending four months shaping the next generation of school in the age of AI — and getting clearer on their own horizon. It’s paid.
Our first Fellows range from high school juniors to early-career professionals. They are students and alumni of district, charter, and independent schools across Nashville and graduates of Belmont, TSU, and MTSU — student-government leaders and aspiring teachers, doctors, lawyers, and journalists, alongside young professionals in engineering, healthcare technology, finance, and student coaching.
Teenagers still in school and twenty-somethings just past it, in one room — so every idea gets tested against what actually comes next.
They have led student councils, launched a student petition with hundreds of signatures, spoken up before city leaders, and pitched teachers on how to use AI well.
They use it for tutoring, creativity, and work — and are the first to name its risks: shortcuts, shallow learning, unchecked code. Their stance: guardrails, not bans.
They bring firsthand insight on what helps students thrive and what holds them back — autonomy, rigor, belonging, confidence, and the leap from school to life.
Horizon Academies has brought together 11 young people from across Nashville for a unique fellowship experience. Fellows will help co-design the next generation of school in the age of AI while also clarifying their own personal horizon — the future, aspiration, or direction they want to pursue.
Our Fellows come from different schools, backgrounds, and experiences. They were selected primarily for how they embody — or intend to embody — the Horizon Profile of a Graduate.
Grounded in a deep sense of self, clear values, and a compelling life story — navigates the world with purpose, agency, and joy.
Fluent in human difference — builds trust, listens deeply, and practices meaningful dialogue across lines of identity, belief, and background.
Commands a rigorous foundation of knowledge and skill — reads with depth, reasons quantitatively, and thinks across disciplines.
Imagines and builds things that don't yet exist — uses technology as a creative tool while leading with human wisdom and judgment.
Translates competency into impact — solves real problems, produces meaningful work, and moves others toward something better.
Graduates with a verified next step already in motion — credentials, experience, direction, and the resilience for what comes next.
… and others joining as the Fellowship takes shape.
Our first cohort is underway, and we’re no longer accepting new Fellows. If you’re curious about the Fellowship or want to stay in touch about what’s next, Ben Schumacher, Founder & CEO of Horizon Academies, would love to hear from you.
Email Ben