Big Picture
Positive Relationships
Joy
The Academy 4 program provides a mentor for EVERY 4th grader in economically disadvantaged schools. Volunteers come together for 90 minutes, one Friday a month to mentor students in leadership.
Each month students enjoy two 45 minute SPARK clubs focused on topics like sports, cooking, and art; work through our research-based leadership curriculum; and enjoy fun Hang Time.
In the LEADERS 5 program, 5th graders take the leadership traits they learned in Academy 4 and put them into action by mentoring a 1st grader at their school.
In addition, our 5th graders do group service projects. In LEADERS 5, students further develop the skills, confidence, and mindset to be leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond.
4Families is a tool for Academy 4 church partners to encourage and build Christian community among families in local schools, particularly the under-resourced.
We offer workshops that start with parenting and expand to other topics such as financial literacy, leadership, English as a second language, and other topics targeted to the needs of the specific community.
When former 4th grade mentees reach their junior year of high school, they are invited back into their elementary schools to serve as mentors for a new generation of 4th graders.
The Full Circle Scholarship is awarded to exceptional high school students who participated in Academy 4 as mentees and went on to serve as mentors.
Governor’s Volunteer Award Winner
Community Champion
“Academy 4’s innovative programs have profoundly impacted Tarrant County communities, fostering mentorship and leadership development in schools serving high-poverty populations. Originating at Daggett Elementary School in 2012, it has expanded to 45 schools across 15 districts in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. Engaging over 4,000 volunteers in mentorship, its eleventh year witnessed impactful expansions, including Leaders 5 and 4Families, to address broader family needs. The Full Circle Scholars program exemplifies a commitment to full-circle impact, with high school seniors returning to serve in elementary schools. Diverse volunteers, aged 16 to over 90, underscore the community’s collective commitment to nurturing the next generation.”
— Onestar Foundation
2024 Annual Luncheon Photo Gallery
