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Celebrating 20 Years of Empowerment: The Eagle Academy Foundation

As the conversation surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) intensifies, the Eagle Academy Foundation (EAF) is proud to celebrate its two-decade milestone dedicated to uplifting young men of color. The foundation plans to commemorate its 20th anniversary on February 25, 2025, with a gala event themed “Taking Flight” at New York City’s Ziegfeld Ballroom.

EAF has been instrumental in establishing a sustainable platform for young men of color, creating environments that foster academic success, personal growth, and leadership skills. Over the years, it has profoundly impacted thousands of lives through its holistic educational approach.

Legacy and Impact

The foundation operates a network of six public schools, aptly named the Eagle Academy for Young Men, which boasts an impressive 98% high school graduation rate. This figure nearly triples the average for young men of color, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to excellence in education. Furthermore, the academy's alumni network continues to flourish, with many graduates pursuing further education and successful careers nationally.

Key Initiatives

To further enhance the support offered to young men of color, EAF has introduced various initiatives:

• - Eagles Soaring Beyond: This program emphasizes college readiness, workforce development, and financial empowerment, equipping students to break the cycle of poverty through effective preparation and placement. This initiative has already helped numerous young men embark on successful career paths.
• - The Eagle Institute: Aimed at providing professional development for educators, this initiative enhances the capabilities of schools and institutions committed to nurturing young men of color. To date, over 2,000 teachers and community leaders have benefitted from training, ultimately reaching upwards of 40,000 students across 34 school districts nationwide.

Looking Ahead

Donald M. Ruff, Jr., the president and CEO of EAF, expresses the importance of continuing this crucial work: “We celebrate 20 years of impact while looking forward with strategic intention because our community deserves the best.” This forward-thinking approach is integral as the foundation seeks to expand its reach further and make an even greater difference in the lives of young men of color.

Honoring Supporters

During the anniversary gala, EAF will honor several key contributors who have played vital roles in its journey. One notable organization is One Hundred Black Men, Inc., which was pivotal in founding the first all-boys public school in the Bronx. This organization is committed to improving the livelihood of African Americans and continues to support the EAF significantly.

Additionally, the Founders Award will be presented to Paul T. Williams, Jr., recognized for his contributions to the state’s legislative framework and his dedication to education. Furthermore, World Wide Technology (WWT), founded by David Steward, supports the foundation’s mission with innovative digital strategies, showcasing the corporate community’s commitment to educational equity.

A Call to Action

Ruff emphasizes the importance of the community’s participation in this ongoing initiative: “Eagles are powerful, majestic, and free to fly. That’s the world we want for our young men and our community.” The foundation encourages individuals and organizations to attend the gala or visit their website to explore ways to contribute to this vital cause.

The Eagle Academy Foundation invites everyone to join them in not only celebrating their past achievements but also committing to a future where young men of color can live fully, learn joyfully, and lead courageously.

For more details on the anniversary celebration and how to support the Eagle Academy Foundation, explore their website at www.eafny.org.