Eagle Academy Foundation Commemorates 20 Years of Empowering Young Men of Color Through Education and Leadership

Celebrating Two Decades of Impact at the Eagle Academy Foundation

On February 20, 2025, the Eagle Academy Foundation (EAF) will proudly mark its 20th anniversary with a gala event themed "Taking Flight" at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. This milestone comes amid growing concerns regarding the decline of support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the nation. The event promises to highlight the critical legacy and mission of EAF in uplifting young men of color by prioritizing education, pathways, and leadership training.

Since its inception, the Eagle Academy Foundation has created environments where young men of color can thrive academically, socially, and personally. By emphasizing joy, belonging, and leadership, EAF has transformed the lives of thousands of young people and positively impacted their communities.

EAF operates various programs, notably the Eagle Academy for Young Men, a network of six public schools across New York and New Jersey. These schools boast an impressive graduation rate of 98%, significantly higher than the city and national averages for young men of color. This success is complemented by a robust alumni network that fosters opportunities in higher education and professional fields nationwide.

Additionally, EAF has launched "Eagles Soaring Beyond," a pioneering initiative focused on post-secondary readiness, workforce development, and financial empowerment for young men of color. Through training and placement services, this program empowers students to achieve positive life outcomes, helping to break generational cycles of poverty.

Another key aspect of EAF's mission is encapsulated in the Eagle Institute, a professional development and consulting initiative that provides crucial training and support to schools and educators. This initiative has impacted over 40,000 students across 34 school districts and 65 cities through the training of more than 2,000 teachers and community advocates, enhancing their capacity to promote student success.

Donald M. Ruff, Jr., President and CEO of the Eagle Academy Foundation, states, "We believe in the brilliance, humanity, and leadership of young men of color. As we celebrate 20 years, we reflect on our journey and look forward with strategic intent and collaborative energy. The work ahead will require all hands on deck."

The gala will honor significant contributors to EAF's mission, including the esteemed organization 100 Black Men, Inc., dedicated to improving opportunities for African Americans. They were instrumental in founding the Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx, the city’s first all-boys public school in over three decades, which focuses on mentorship and academic excellence for Black and Latino boys.

Special recognition will also be given to Paul T. Williams, Jr., who will receive the Founders Award. Williams boasts a rich history of leadership, having served as the estate trustee for his late sister, celebrated poet and author Ntozake Shange, and as a former board member of the Eagle Academy Foundation.

World Wide Technology, under the leadership of David Steward, a long-time supporter of EAF, will likewise be acknowledged. WWT, recognized as a leader in digital strategy, has empowered EAF’s endeavors over the past two decades. Steward, one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs in the U.S., has overseen the company’s growth into a billion-dollar enterprise consistently ranked among Fortune's top 100 best companies to work for.

In Ruff's words, "Eagles are powerful, majestic, and free to soar. That is the world we envision for our youth and community. The Eagle Academy Foundation strives to ensure young men of color can live fully, learn joyously, and lead courageously... because they deserve it."

For those interested in learning more about the 20th-anniversary celebration, as well as ways to support the Eagle Academy Foundation, further information can be found at eafny.org.

Conclusion

As the Eagle Academy Foundation commemorates 20 years of dynamic work, it stands as a testament to what is possible when the community unites to support its youth. With the right frameworks and resources, the potential of young men of color is boundless, and EAF continues to champion this vital cause.