At GTE Academy, located right here in Lakeland, Florida, we are more than a school — we are a community of scholars, athletes and servants. Founded by Elmo and Taylor Stephen, under the umbrella of the Moknowledge Youth Foundation (501(c)(3)), our journey began as local student-athletes with a passion for leadership, faith and excellence.

Our Mission
We empower every student-athlete to pursue excellence in academics, athletics, and spiritual growth through a Christ-centered, family-oriented environment.

Our Vision
To become a global leader in faith-based education and athletic development — where students of all backgrounds grow as servant leaders, scholars, and champions of character.

Why this building matters
Because we live in and serve the Lakeland/Polk County community, we know the impact of a dedicated learning-center for our student-athletes. What remains is the finishing touches: the HVAC and lighting, furnishings, technology, and our “Founding Partner” Dedication Wall where supporters will see their names etched in legacy.

Growth Update: 2026-27
We are proud to announce that we are expecting 15 additional students for the 2026-27 school year — meaning we must complete all building and safety requirements by March 2026 to pass inspection and be ready for enrollment. Your partnership today ensures we meet that deadline and can serve even more student-athletes in our community.

Why a Dedication Wall?
We want to honor everyone who believes in our vision — so for each gift at the tiers below, your name (or company/legacy name) will be engraved on our “Founding Partners” dedication wall inside the building. This plaque will serve as a daily reminder of your commitment to youth, leadership and community in Lakeland.

Donation Tiers:

$250 — Brick Supporter — Name on small plaque-brick section
$500 — Wall Contributor — Name on medium plaque section + shout-out on social media
$1,000+ — Founding Partner — Name on large plaque panel + VIP invite to dedication ceremony + photo with students & staff

Our Goal: $30,000 (we’ve raised $15,000 so far for the build)

Use of Funds:

Final HVAC and LED lighting: $3,000 ~ $4,500
Desks, technology, carpeting: $10,000
Dedication wall sign/manufacture: $3,700

Join us now so you can say: “I was there from the start.” The dedication ceremony will be held in March 2026.

Thank you for partnering with us. Your gift changes lives, builds leaders and leaves a legacy.

— Elmo & Taylor Stephen, Founders, GTE Academy

Moknowledge Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; all gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

UPDATED PHOTOS

UPDATED VIDEOS HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8DDRtya/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8DDRHHN/

June 2025 photos below:

Help Finish GTE Academy’s Learning Center & Building Dedication Wall

By Moknowledge Youth Foundation Inc

Help Finish GTE Academy’s Learning Center & Building Dedication Wall

Be a Founding Partner — Leave Your Legacy on Our Plaque Wall