Community Engagement & Impact

Building a Legacy of Empowerment Since 1991

The Birth of Life academy

In 2018, Life Academy Inc. (501(c)(3)) was founded to deepen our commitment to youth development and broaden our reach within the community. As a nonprofit organization, Life Academy’s mission is to create programs that promote resilience, independence, and a strong sense of community in every child we serve.Our after-school and summer camp programs include hands-on learning in:

Stress management and emotional regulation
Lifeguarding and first aid
Gardening and sustainability
Marine biology and conservation
Bicycle safety and riding skills

These life skills classes are more than educational—they're an investment in the future of our community.

Empowering Youth to Save Lives

Our close relationship with the Hillsborough County Fire Department’s Marine Unit reflects our shared dedication to water safety and community wellness. Florida leads the nation in child drownings, and we believe education is the most powerful tool for prevention.

Through Life Academy’s lifeguarding and water safety programs, over 2,000 children have been taught how to identify when someone is in trouble in the water and how to safely respond. In addition to the many accidents our Life Academy students have helped prevent, one camper even saved a life at a local boat ramp—an inspiring example of the real-world impact of our programs.

Founder Tyler Sultenfuss continues to expand this life-saving curriculum, introducing education on tides, currents, and water-related emergency response. These programs provide children with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others—skills that ripple outward into homes, neighborhoods, and the greater Tampa Bay area.

Supporting Children with Special Needs

In partnership with Apollo Beach Therapy Center, our on-site Speech and Occupational Therapy clinic, Life Academy is uniquely positioned to support children with diverse needs. Children enrolled in our camp who also receive therapy benefit from a continuum of care. They may be receiving 2 or 3 hours of private therapy, but through our after school and summer camp programs, they have another 20 hours of support while they are participating in camp activities at Life Academy

.Our staff is trained to reinforce therapeutic goals throughout the day, helping children build self-reliance, emotional regulation, and success in social settings. The results are remarkable. Our inclusive approach creates an environment where every child can thrive—regardless of challenges.

Join Us in Making an Impact

We invite local businesses, philanthropists, and community leaders to join us in supporting Life Academy’s mission. Your contributions help us provide scholarships, expand therapy services, offer advanced water safety training, and develop innovative programs that shape the next generation.

Together, we are building a safer, healthier, and more empowered community—one child at a time.