Hidden Gems: Meet Samson Akinola of Outcome School

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samson Akinola.

Hi Samson, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in Nigeria, growing up in my family’s small businesses. At just 9 years old, I was already selling and negotiating with customers in my mother’s convenience shop and hair salon. By 14, I was managing my father’s building materials store. Those early experiences shaped my foundation in business, responsibility, and problem-solving.

Over time, I gained experience across industries including customer service, sales, technology, manufacturing, and supply chains. I pursued my education in Nigeria and Germany, and later earned a master’s degree in business from the University of Southern Indiana. Along the way, I also had the opportunity to work in Dubai, further expanding my global perspective. My first experience in Los Angeles in 2016 opened my eyes to both opportunity and inequality.

Rooted in my Yoruba values of hard work, self-reliance, wisdom, and understanding, I’ve always felt called to build, lead, and serve. That calling led me to found Outcome School, a nonprofit tech school focused on equipping underserved youth with practical, in-demand technology skills that lead to meaningful employment and long-term economic mobility.

I also founded a tech company, Empeiric, but Outcome School is truly my passion. I find deep fulfillment in empowering young people to believe in themselves and build better futures. Today, I combine my lived experiences, lessons from both failures and successes, and rigorous study to help others—leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging professionals lead with purpose and confidence.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My life is like a traffic jam, I have been stuck and I have also had a nice ride. I was the first born of 5 kids, I had nobody to look up to, and I made all the mistakes you could think of. My parents worked long hours, and they had little time to mentor me about the future. My educational background, I went to high school in Nigeria, my classroom had no chairs and windows, and it was difficult to learn in that type of environment. When I moved to Germany, life was tough before I didn’t speak the local language, I could not cope with western way of life in my early years in Europe. Living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates was alright, but I did not like their feudal system. My life journey is a marathon; I had to start all over again when I got to America.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Outcome School?
Outcome School is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit tech training organization focused on equipping underserved youth with practical, in-demand skills that lead to real economic opportunity. We specialize in hands-on, project-based learning, particularly in areas like robotics, drones, and foundational technology skills, combined with mentorship and workforce readiness.

What sets Outcome School apart is our access and approach. Our programs are completely free, removing financial barriers, and are designed to be highly engaging and practical—students don’t just learn theory, they build, create, and apply. We also offer live virtual evening classes, making it accessible for youth who may be in school, working, or facing other life challenges.

We’re especially known for reaching young people who are often overlooked—those from low-income communities, foster care, or non-traditional education pathways—and helping them see themselves in tech. Our model blends technical training, mentorship, and real-world exposure, ensuring students are not just skilled, but confident and career-ready.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of being a trusted, community-driven organization that delivers real impact. Our focus is not just education, but transformation—helping youth move from uncertainty to clarity, from limited access to real opportunity.

At its core, Outcome School is about building futures. We want people to know that we are committed to creating pathways where young people can gain skills, discover purpose, and step into careers that change the trajectory of their lives.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, youth tech education will become more hands-on, career-focused, and AI-driven. Traditional education alone will not be enough; young people will need practical skills in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, automation, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship.

I also see a major shift toward shorter, affordable, skills-based programs that connect directly to jobs, internships, and business opportunities. Employers will increasingly value portfolios, projects, and proven ability over degrees alone.

For Outcome School, this creates a powerful opportunity. We are preparing underserved youth not just to use technology, but to build with it, lead with it, and create economic mobility through it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.outcomeschool.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outcomeschool/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Outcome-School/61579731263258/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akinishuman/
• Twitter: https://x.com/outcomeschool
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Outcomeschoolorg
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/school/outcome-school/