Eagle Academy Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Uplifting Young Men of Color with Education and Leadership Training
On February 25, 2025, the Eagle Academy Foundation (EAF) will commemorate two decades of significant achievements at its gala event in New York City’s Ziegfeld Ballroom. Under the theme ‘Taking Flight’, this milestone celebration will underscore the transformative impact the foundation has had on the lives of young men of color across the nation.
Founded in 2005, the EAF has steadily dedicated itself to enhancing academic and personal growth opportunities for young men from diverse backgrounds. Facing the current climate of diminishing support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), this anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of access to quality education and mentorship for historically disadvantaged communities.
One of the crown jewels of the foundation is the Eagle Academy for Young Men, a network comprising six public schools located in New York and New Jersey. This initiative boasts an impressive high school graduation rate that is nearly three times higher than the national average for young men of color. Graduates of this program have gone on to flourish in various colleges and careers, fostering a robust alumni network that continues to support current students.
In addition to academic achievements, the Eagles Soaring Beyond program focuses on post-secondary success by equipping students with vital skills such as college preparedness, workforce development, and financial empowerment. This initiative has been instrumental in breaking generational poverty cycles among young men of color, leading to positive life outcomes and enhanced opportunities.
Moreover, the Eagle Institute provides professional development and consulting aimed at schools and educators, enhancing their capacity to nurture and promote the success of young men of color. It has trained over 2,000 teachers and advocates across 34 school districts and 65 cities, positively impacting more than 40,000 students nationwide.
Donald M. Ruff, Jr., President and CEO of Eagle Academy Foundation, emphasizes the organization's unwavering belief in the potential of young men of color. ‘As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we look forward with strategic intent and collaborative spirit,’ he stated. ‘The work of tomorrow requires the contributions of everyone.’
The ‘Taking Flight’ event will also recognize key supporters such as One Hundred Black Men, Inc., which has played an integral role in establishing the Eagle Academy for Young Men and has been vital in supporting the foundation’s efforts to expand its reach.
Moreover, Paul T. Williams, Jr., a mentor and activist, will receive the Founder’s Award for his contributions and dedication to the cause. Williams has been influential in crafting opportunities for young men in the community, marking a legacy of advocacy and change.
The event will also honor World Wide Technology (WWT), founded by David Steward, a respected supporter of the EAF. WWT’s innovative strategies have positioned it as a top-tier company, contributing significantly to community upliftment and economic development.
As stated by Ruff, ‘Eagles are strong, majestic, and free to soar. This is the world we wish for our young men and our communities.’ The foundation continues its commitment to ensuring that young men of color lead fulfilling lives, thrive through education, and boldly take on leadership roles.
To find out more about the anniversary celebration and support the Eagle Academy Foundation's initiatives, please visit eafny.org.
With a mission to uplift young men of color from 6th grade through adulthood, the Eagle Academy Foundation remains a national beacon of hope and change. The foundation is renowned for creating and supporting a robust educational ecosystem that serves the New York City and Newark, NJ areas, emphasizing growth and opportunities for students of color.
Founded in 2005, the EAF has steadily dedicated itself to enhancing academic and personal growth opportunities for young men from diverse backgrounds. Facing the current climate of diminishing support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), this anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of access to quality education and mentorship for historically disadvantaged communities.
One of the crown jewels of the foundation is the Eagle Academy for Young Men, a network comprising six public schools located in New York and New Jersey. This initiative boasts an impressive high school graduation rate that is nearly three times higher than the national average for young men of color. Graduates of this program have gone on to flourish in various colleges and careers, fostering a robust alumni network that continues to support current students.
In addition to academic achievements, the Eagles Soaring Beyond program focuses on post-secondary success by equipping students with vital skills such as college preparedness, workforce development, and financial empowerment. This initiative has been instrumental in breaking generational poverty cycles among young men of color, leading to positive life outcomes and enhanced opportunities.
Moreover, the Eagle Institute provides professional development and consulting aimed at schools and educators, enhancing their capacity to nurture and promote the success of young men of color. It has trained over 2,000 teachers and advocates across 34 school districts and 65 cities, positively impacting more than 40,000 students nationwide.
Donald M. Ruff, Jr., President and CEO of Eagle Academy Foundation, emphasizes the organization's unwavering belief in the potential of young men of color. ‘As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we look forward with strategic intent and collaborative spirit,’ he stated. ‘The work of tomorrow requires the contributions of everyone.’
The ‘Taking Flight’ event will also recognize key supporters such as One Hundred Black Men, Inc., which has played an integral role in establishing the Eagle Academy for Young Men and has been vital in supporting the foundation’s efforts to expand its reach.
Moreover, Paul T. Williams, Jr., a mentor and activist, will receive the Founder’s Award for his contributions and dedication to the cause. Williams has been influential in crafting opportunities for young men in the community, marking a legacy of advocacy and change.
The event will also honor World Wide Technology (WWT), founded by David Steward, a respected supporter of the EAF. WWT’s innovative strategies have positioned it as a top-tier company, contributing significantly to community upliftment and economic development.
As stated by Ruff, ‘Eagles are strong, majestic, and free to soar. This is the world we wish for our young men and our communities.’ The foundation continues its commitment to ensuring that young men of color lead fulfilling lives, thrive through education, and boldly take on leadership roles.
To find out more about the anniversary celebration and support the Eagle Academy Foundation's initiatives, please visit eafny.org.
With a mission to uplift young men of color from 6th grade through adulthood, the Eagle Academy Foundation remains a national beacon of hope and change. The foundation is renowned for creating and supporting a robust educational ecosystem that serves the New York City and Newark, NJ areas, emphasizing growth and opportunities for students of color.
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