

The Dalton Society
Character. Discipline. Direction.
Selective by design. Tuition-free by mission.
A selective, tuition-free mentorship and leadership-development experience for high-school, college, and early-career young adults — with parents and guardians as active partners. Led directly by Dalton Young, each 12-week cohort brings a small group of Fellows together for virtual conversations, guest-leader perspectives, professional exposure, and an in-person recognition event in Orlando. The focus is character, discipline, confidence, judgment, and direction — made possible at no cost to Fellows by our corporate and community partners.
20 Fellows
Selected for each cohort
12 weeks
A focused leadership and mentorship fellowship
Led by Dalton
Every session guided personally
4 cohorts per year
One active cohort at a time
$0 tuition
Made possible by our partners
Designed for high school, college, and early-career young adults. An independent mentorship and leadership-development experience, not military recruitment, therapy, tutoring, or a placement program.
Gallery
Moments from the Society.































"Character is built in the ordinary moments — the preparation nobody sees, the follow-up nobody asked for, the standard you hold when it would be easier not to."
Dalton Young · Founder & CEO
Meet the Mentor
Led by a CEO, educator, mentor, husband, and father of three.

The Dalton Society is led by the CEO of Desra Group, a husband and father of three who believes young people deserve trusted adults who will take them seriously, challenge them thoughtfully, and help them see a larger world of meaningful possibility.
His leadership journey began in Future Business Leaders of America. Across four years in FBLA, he served as Secretary, Vice President, and President. He earned first-place state recognition in Business Math during his junior year and first-place state recognition in Entrepreneurship during his senior year. Those experiences established an early belief that leadership is not a title, it is a responsibility.
He later taught technology to elementary, middle-school, and high-school students, from basic computer literacy through advanced cybersecurity and programming skills. He led military cyber challenges for students and has mentored college students, young professionals, and military professionals.
Over approximately 15 years across public- and private-sector environments, he has mentored more than 1,000 students and professionals. His professional path has included building seven figures in revenue and managing eight figures in revenue. Today, as CEO of Desra Group, he brings together leadership, responsibility, professional awareness, and a commitment to helping the next generation grow in character, confidence, judgment, discipline, and direction.
"The goal is not to build young people who depend on a mentor. The goal is to help young people develop the character, judgment, and confidence to carry responsibility for themselves and contribute meaningfully to others."
4 years
Future Business Leaders of America leadership experience
15 years
Mentoring across public- and private-sector environments
1,000+
Students and professionals mentored
7 / 8 figures
Revenue built and revenue managed
Time in the Classroom
A teacher first, long before the boardroom.
Dalton spent years as a technology teacher, working with elementary, middle-school, and high-school students. He built curriculum from the ground up, taking students from basic computer literacy to web development, networking, hardware, programming, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
He coached student teams through military-style cyber competitions and challenges, stood up hands-on labs with real hardware and server racks, and helped students earn their first industry certifications. Many of those students went on to technical careers, military service, and college programs in computing.
K-12 Classroom
Elementary through high school technology instruction
Cyber Competitions
Coached student teams through military cyber challenges
Hands-On Labs
Hardware, networking, and server room training
Community Supporters
Local businesses that support our community.
These local businesses are part of the community The Dalton Society serves. We're grateful for the operators and owners who show up for young people in Central Florida.

Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Blo Blow Dry Bar

Hamlin Modern Dentistry

Tranquility Glo Med Boutique

Piccolinos Haircuts

Future Home Loans

Kingdom Energy Solutions

Optimax Window Tinting

King of Pops

Striker Youth Academy

Connected Movement
Want your business standing alongside them?
The Society
A private Society for an important season of life.
The Dalton Society is not a class, tutoring service, or formula for success. It is a selective private mentorship experience for young people who would benefit from trusted adult guidance, a higher standard of accountability, meaningful conversations with accomplished leaders, and a stronger sense of direction as they explore the future.
Built around high-trust, CEO-led mentorship, the Society gives Fellows a trusted environment to build discipline, confidence, judgment, professional presence, and awareness of the opportunities ahead.
Students accepted into the program become Dalton Society Fellows. Four 12-week cohorts run each year, with 20 Fellows selected for each and only one cohort active at a time. Fellows graduate into the Dalton Society Alumni network, so the relationship continues well past the final session. The experience has a reliable rhythm, but it is not a rigid curriculum. Conversations evolve around the questions, interests, decisions, and growth of the Fellows themselves.
Character
Explore integrity, responsibility, self-respect, resilience, and what it means to become someone others can trust.
Discipline
Build the habits, preparation, follow-through, and accountability that make confidence real.
Leadership
Develop stronger judgment, communication, influence, teamwork, and the ability to carry responsibility.
Direction
Gain perspective on technology, business, public service, government, defense-adjacent, and other mission-driven pathways without pressure to choose one identity too early.
The Parent Standard
For parents who expect more than another activity.
Parents and guardians are not enrolling their student in another busy schedule. They are choosing a setting where their child can be known, challenged thoughtfully, and encouraged by credible adults who care about character as much as achievement.
The Society is designed for families who value trusted mentorship, personal discipline, respectful communication, meaningful exposure to the professional world, and a community that takes a young person's future seriously.
"My student is capable but still finding direction."
The Society creates space for reflection, trusted questions, and exposure to a wider world of meaningful possibility.
"I want my child to communicate with more confidence."
Fellows practice presence, listening, introductions, responsibility, and thoughtful participation around respected adults.
"I want my child around strong influences."
The Society is deliberately selective and supported by contributors chosen for character, professionalism, and perspective.
"My student is interested in technology, business, leadership, or service."
Fellows gain career awareness and real-world perspective without being pushed toward one predefined path.
The 12-Week Fellowship
Twelve weeks of guidance, responsibility, and perspective.
Each cohort follows a thoughtful 12-week arc built around six biweekly sessions. These themes are not lessons to complete or outcomes to measure. They are lenses for the conversations, guest perspectives, and personal questions that matter as a young person grows.
Weeks 1–2
Character and Standards
Integrity, values, responsibility, and personal standards.
Weeks 3–4
Voice and Presence
Communication, confidence, listening, and speaking with authenticity.
Weeks 5–6
Leading Yourself First
Discipline, self-respect, habits, and personal accountability.
Weeks 7–8
Judgment and Decisions
Better questions, ownership, consequences, and thoughtful choices.
Weeks 9–10
People, Work, and Initiative
Trust, teamwork, problem-solving, value creation, and professional presence.
Weeks 11–12
Purpose and Direction
Career exploration, civic responsibility, resilience, and thoughtful next decisions.
Cohort kickoff
The Fellowship opens with a virtual kickoff that sets the standard and introduces Fellows to Dalton and the wider mentor network.
Biweekly leadership and mentorship sessions
Every other week the full cohort meets online for a Society Forum led by Dalton, with invited mentors and guest leaders joining throughout the term.
1–2 guest leaders per cohort
Accomplished leaders from government, technology, business, and mission-driven fields join the cohort for candid conversation.
One professional exposure experience
Each cohort includes a company visit or hosted professional experience with a partner organization.
Closing and recognition event
Each 12-week cohort closes with an in-person recognition gathering in Orlando for Fellows, parents, mentors, and partners.
Dalton Society Alumni
Fellows join the alumni network at graduation, keeping access to mentors, guest leaders, and future Society experiences.
Who Is a Fellow?
Selection is about character, not a résumé.
The Society is for students and young adults — high school, college, or early career — who show character, curiosity, respect, and a genuine willingness to grow. Fellows do not need to know their future career. They do need to be ready to engage thoughtfully with peers and adults, listen well, ask questions, and take responsibility for their own growth.
A strong fit
- A student who is curious, respectful, coachable, and open to meaningful conversation
- A young person exploring interests in technology, business, leadership, service, or other meaningful paths
- A family that values character, trusted mentorship, and thoughtful professional exposure
- A parent willing to be a responsible partner in the experience
Not the right fit
- A family seeking only tutoring, test preparation, or résumé services
- A family expecting guaranteed college admission, employment, scholarships, or a specific career outcome
- A student requiring therapy, crisis counseling, or behavioral intervention
- A family looking for an unstructured drop-in activity with no commitment
Professional Exposure Without Pressure
A wider world of possibility, not a predetermined path.
The Society introduces Fellows to accomplished adults and meaningful professional perspectives from government, technology, business, public service, defense-adjacent, and other mission-driven fields. The goal is not recruitment. The goal is exposure: helping young people understand how character, preparation, curiosity, and responsibility matter in the real world.
Every guest joins as a contributor to leadership and career awareness. Fellows are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and discover what feels meaningful to them.
Admission
Selective by design. Tuition-free by mission.
Four cohorts are selected each year, each running 12 weeks with one cohort active at a time. Every cohort is limited to 20 Fellows and led directly by Dalton, kept small enough that every Fellow is known, supported, and held to a real standard.
Admission is by application. Participation is tuition-free.
Accepted Fellows receive the full 12-Week Leadership & Mentorship Fellowship: a virtual kickoff, biweekly Society Forums led by Dalton or a guest leader, Mentor Circle sessions of about five Fellows, a professional exposure experience, parent orientation and communication, and the in-person closing and recognition event in Orlando — at no cost to the family. Corporate and community partners make that possible.
Admission begins with an application, followed by a conversation between the parent or guardian, the student or young adult, and Dalton to confirm mutual fit. Places are limited and not every applicant is admitted.
Closing & Recognition
Every cohort ends together, in person.
Biweekly programming is delivered virtually so Fellows can participate from anywhere without adding travel to a family's week. Each 12-week cohort then closes with an in-person recognition event in Orlando, Florida — a chance for Fellows, parents, mentors, and guest leaders to meet face to face, mark the growth of the season, and welcome the class into the Dalton Society Alumni network.
Four Times a Year
One recognition event at the close of each 12-week cohort. Dates are confirmed with families well in advance so schedules can be planned without pressure.
Orlando, Florida
Hosted in Orlando, with a program built around conversation, mentorship, and time for families to connect. Attendance is encouraged, never required.
Clarity
Clear boundaries protect a stronger experience.
The Society is
- A selective mentorship and leadership-development experience
- A trusted setting for character, confidence, judgment, discipline, and career awareness
- A parent-supported, CEO-led community
- Exposure to meaningful adult perspectives and career pathways
The Society is not
- Military recruitment or a service-commitment program
- Therapy, crisis counseling, or behavioral intervention
- Tutoring, test preparation, or college-admissions consulting
- A promise of college admission, employment, internship, scholarship, placement, or security clearance
Reputation
Trusted by the people who have seen the work up close.
These perspectives reflect Dalton Young's work across government, defense, cybersecurity, and prior professional engagements. They are shared to show how he leads, solves problems, and follows through.
Professional Recommendations
From leaders and colleagues in the mission space.
Recommendations from professionals who worked with Dalton in cybersecurity, defense, government, and high-security environments.

Rob Howard
Engineering & Programs Management
Worked with Dalton on the same team

Julio C Ramos, CISSP, PMP
IT Consultant — Cybersecurity / IT Consultant, JC3 Tech LLC
Was senior to Dalton but didn't manage Dalton directly

Derrick Q. Barton
Executive / Vice President, Strategy & Government Relations
Managed Dalton directly

Tom Whittington
Cloud Engineer at Planned Systems International
Worked with Dalton on the same team
"I had the opportunity to work with Dalton in the past, and he consistently brought a positive attitude and a high level of knowledge to everything he did. I truly appreciate his dedication and commitment to his work. Dalton always goes the extra mile to ensure the customer is satisfied, and his professionalism and willingness to help make him a valuable member of any team."

Joel Soto, MBA
Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer, Former Intelligence Community Member
Worked with Dalton on the same team
"Dalton has a great mix of technical proficiency, organizational leadership, and business acumen. He's a well rounded cybersecurity professional that gets the "big picture". On a personal level, he's a likable family man that fits into any conversation. Zero drama, follows through on commitments, and delivers the product. Highly recommended!"

Marco Sansone
MBA | ISSM | Program Manager | Director of Information Technology | DoD & Department of State
Worked with Dalton on the same team
"Dalton was an amazing team lead with a wealth of knowledge."

Terrence Williford
TS/SCI | IT | Cybersecurity Professional | 20 Year Air Force Veteran | Sec+
Reported to Dalton directly

Gerald Rainer
Cyber Security Engineer | Digital Forensics, Security
Reported to Dalton directly

Jadiel Vega-Vega
Information Security Manager @ Hyperscience | CISSP | USAF Veteran
Worked with Dalton on the same team

William Francois, MSIT
IT Professional | Networking | Cyber Security | SEC+ | TS/SCI Poly
Reported to Dalton directly
Prior Client Feedback
A record of responsive, trusted client service.
The feedback below is from individuals who worked directly with Dalton in prior professional engagements. It reflects Dalton's personal track record and is not a testimonial about services delivered by Desra Group.
Prior Client Feedback
"I've been working with Dalton for over 3 years now. I have to credit a lot of my growth and success to his help. This has been a major game-changer for me. He has helped me become who I am today."

John M.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"I had tried to do things on my own, but it never really worked out. But within the first two weeks of working with Dalton, things started to shift for me."

Andrew W.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"The biggest thing from working with Dalton was that I found someone who understands both the practical side of things, as well as the professional side. Overall it was a great experience on my part. I got exactly what I wanted out of it!"

Andy B.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton was a great solution for a bunch of things I needed support with. I knew I could lean on him for helping me get things over the finish line. Dalton is a rock star. I look forward to working with him into the future."

Clay C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is SO GOOD at what he does! We had the pleasure of working together and you can honestly see his passion and drive to help you succeed to your full potential. Thank you, Dalton!"

Chelsea L.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is the BEST THING you can do for yourself. From a confirmation text to a phone call to getting right to work, I was truly amazed."

Clemente D.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"I am very pleased with the results and confidence from working with you. Your communication throughout was exceptional. Thanks so much again, Dalton!"

Wesley A.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is such an amazing gift that helps bring out the best in others in the best way possible with great results! I highly recommend ANYONE looking for professional support to contact him ASAP!"

James D.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Let him do what he does best. He will be doing a lot of work supporting us here in the future on the current facility and the new location we are opening. He really cares and you can see that in his work!"

Jersey G.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"I want to give a big shoutout to Dalton. If you're looking for someone to help you through what you're working through professionally, then I definitely recommend reaching out to Dalton."

Jayson M.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton took the time to get to know me and the concerns I had about the challenges I was working through."

Stephen A.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is amazing! He truly cares about his clients and is a huge asset to anyone that uses his services."

Eric V.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"If you are looking for someone to lean on, Dalton is the man! I recommend reaching out to him for help."

Chris C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"I feel like Dalton's support was meant to be. Would work with him again without hesitation."

Spencer A.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is one of the most talented people that I have had the pleasure to work with!"

Aaron M.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton has the drive to help people. He is easy to work with and understands what works for what you need help with."

Billy C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton provides a unique service that most do not. He shows genuine care for his clients and works with you, also listens to you, to provide the support you are looking for!"

C.J. D.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"I appreciate his time and effort and look forward to working with him. Thanks so much. It's nice to have someone around who genuinely cares about you."

Karrie B.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"He was very professional, great to work with, excellent communication. He was so flexible and willing to work with us during such a crazy and stressful time. Highly recommend! I would definitely consider Dalton because he will not let you down."

Taylor C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"My experience with Dalton has been AMAZING! He is a hardworking and creative guy that has a unique skill set. He is client-focused and his communication is top-notch. Thank you for your support and I would recommend you to anyone."

Eric J.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"He did everything flawlessly. We never had too many questions and he was easy to work with. Always communicating and never leaves you hanging. Do it! I highly suggest using Dalton because he is amazing at his job."

Kyla C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Honest, high quality, transparent and smart are some of the attributes that represent Dalton. He is easy to communicate with, and he has a deep sense of professionalism. I am very happy with the results of his support!"

Vanessa C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is amazing! The service that he has provided for us is outstanding! I strongly recommend working with Dalton because he listens to your ideas, and he starts to help you right away. Amazing support!"

Jonatan G.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton was such a pleasure to work with. Very nice, smart guy and the quality of his work was terrific. I'll be using his services again and recommending him to colleagues as well."

Andrew A.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"I cannot say enough good things about Dalton. I was incredibly impressed with his professionalism and eagerness to answer all of my questions. I cannot recommend him enough."

Morgan C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Came through in the clutch & was highly recommended. Professional all the way. Was always in contact. Assured me that he was going to deliver something spectacular, and he did."

Nadine S.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is absolutely wonderful. We appreciate him so much. I literally cannot say this enough. I cannot recommend him enough. Our team could not be more pleased."

Hope P.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is the perfect choice. He was responsive, adaptable, professional and enjoyable to be around. Always available to communicate. We highly recommend him!"

Karley C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"This was my second time working with Dalton and he is fantastic. I'll keep coming back to him as he's very talented, honest, efficient and easy to work with."

Lesley S.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton has been a pleasure to work with. He took care of everything I needed help with in a timely manner and ensured to follow up on any outstanding issues."

Austin B.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is an excellent communicator and answered all of our questions. He is very upfront and transparent. He's very quick to respond. I would recommend him anytime!"

Robert M.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton went out of his way above and beyond for us. He worked well with us to help coordinate everything and make it happen. You will not regret working with him."

Klaire M.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is wonderful to work with and very knowledgeable about what will work for his clients. He is also very kind and made the experience a joyful one!"

Julie C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Working with Dalton has been great - very professional, communicative, and very knowledgeable. Overall, I would highly recommend Dalton to others."

Mariana A.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is awesome! Everything went so smoothly and I could not ask for a better experience. You won't regret it."

Leighton K.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"We had the pleasure of working with Dalton. He was very professional. Easy to get along with. Highly recommend!"

Jay S.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"I'm extremely happy with his support and would recommend Dalton 110%. Thanks, Dalton, I appreciate your help a lot!"

Shawn M.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"One of the best people I have worked with - very talented and efficient to work with!"

Maureen B.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Amazing!! Thank you for everything, it all turned out fabulous. You are a life saver!"

Cecelia F.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Dalton is a great guy to work with! If you need someone in your corner, then he's the man to see!"

John J.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Thanks so much Dalton for all of your help and support - you have been amazing!"

Anna D.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"He makes the process easier and is so kind. I would recommend him to anyone."

Misty C.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Prior Client Feedback
"Thank you, Dalton, you did a fabulous job! I can't thank you enough. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for help."

Tracey S.
Worked directly with Dalton in a prior engagement.
Get Involved
Join The Dalton Society
Selective admission. Tuition-free for accepted Fellows.
Admissions
Apply to The Society
Participation is tuition-free for accepted Fellows and made possible by corporate and community partners. Admission remains selective: four cohorts are selected each year and each is limited to 20 Fellows, with every application reviewed personally before an invitation to a conversation is extended.
The Dalton Society was founded by Dalton Young and is currently being established as an independent nonprofit mentorship and leadership-development organization for students and young adults in high school, college, or early career. Desra Group is acknowledged as a Founding Corporate Partner. The Society is not military recruitment, therapy, tutoring, college-admissions consulting, job placement, or a guarantee of any academic, college, employment, scholarship, or career outcome.
Federal tax-exempt status has not yet been granted. Contributions and partnership support should not currently be represented as tax-deductible charitable donations.