Our Story
The L.I.T. Club was founded on a simple yet ambitious mission: to empower the next generation of leaders. We believe that middle school is the perfect time to ignite curiosity and build the skills needed for a bright future. Through mentorship and community service, we are shaping a community where every student feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential.
Squad Goals
We know that teamwork makes the dream work and we can achieve way more together than we can on our own.
Hustle
We show major heart and stay dedicated to our dreams because we know that consistency beats everything.
Heart First
We actually care about what others are going through and build a space where everyone feels supported.
L.I.T. CORE VALUES
The Real Deal
We keep it 100 and stay true to what is right, even when nobody is watching us or our friends.
Leveling Up
We own our mistakes and keep our promises, making sure we show up and do our part for the whole squad.
Give Back
We are all about helping people out and making a real difference in the world by actually getting involved.
Main Character
We lead the way by being a vibe that others want to follow and helping our peers reach their big goals.
Top Tier
We push ourselves to give maximum effort in every challenge while staying focused on growing every day.
Vibe Check
We treat everyone with genuine kindness and appreciate the unique skills everyone brings to the table.
No Fear
We bounce back from the hard stuff and have the guts to speak up for what matters, even if it is scary.
MEET THE
Team
Brandon J. Jolly
Founder | Executive Director
Tanya Fulford
Assistant Director
Saidah Bell
Assistant Director, OCPS ACE
Cornelia Forrest
Mentor, OCPS ACE
Aquil McSwain
Mentor, OCPS ACE
the Founder
More than 15 years ago, I began a journey of mentoring young people and helping them discover the potential within themselves. My experience working in the school system opened my eyes to a reality I couldn't ignore: many young people were being prepared academically, but not always being prepared for life. I saw talented, intelligent, and capable students who needed more than what could be taught in a textbook. They needed intentional opportunities to develop character, confidence, leadership, decision-making, financial awareness, career readiness, and a sense of responsibility to others.
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I also realized that leadership was often presented as something reserved for a select few. I believe differently. Every young person has the potential to lead, and leadership is something that can be taught, practiced, and developed. That belief is why I founded L.I.T.—Leaders In Training.
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I wanted to create a space where we develop the whole person, not just the student. Through mentorship, academic support, athletics, leadership development, financial literacy, career preparation, character building, and community service, we help young people become confident, responsible, disciplined, and purpose-driven.
Because I don't just care about what a young person will do for a living someday. I care about who they are becoming right now.
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My goal is simple: to help young people recognize their value, discover their purpose, develop their potential, and understand that leadership isn't about having a title—it's about how you live, how you serve, and the impact you leave behind. That is why L.I.T. exists.
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Developing Strong Minds. Strong Values. Strong Leaders.
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