The Eagle Academy, New York City
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In a nation whose economy is driven by innovation and intellectual property, education has never been a more critical factor in success. The Eagle Academy for Young Men was established in partnership with 100 Black Men of America, Inc. has a public/private collaborative in the South Bronx to have a tangible impact on the lives of the students and their community. As the first new all-male public high school in NYC in many years, it was deliberately structured to have all of the advantages of a private school so that its guiding principles of pursuing excellence, building character, and leadership development would be effectively instilled. This happens through careful mentoring with the input of students, parents, the principal and administrators, and other allies to design a creative and productive learning environment.

Leading by example is the best way of describing the school’s approach, literally. Two hundred twenty-five (225) men have signed on to serve as mentors for each individual student. Starting with a core group of volunteers from founding partner 100 Black Men in America, Inc., the recruiting effort has grown progressively easier as positive word-of-mouth has spread among the friends, families, and co-workers of the mentors. They undergo a thorough screening and training process with bi-monthly meetings to assess the progress of their charges and share best practices, as well as to plan for the following two months. These men are doctors, police officers, authors, lawyers — everyday people who work hard and understand that an awakened love of learning is a catalyst for realizing one’s goals. We often talk about “role models” but, in truth, life changes occur on a much more intimate level. The fact that these men are taking the time to get to know the boys, understand their needs, and show them that someone in the world cares has a profound impact on their lives.

This approach offers these Black and Latino boys transitioning into young adulthood support for their studies and much more. It begins with a Father’s Day ceremony for incoming 8th graders, at which the seeds for the school’s culture of achievement are first planted. It continues with each young man committing to extracurricular activities, the addition of Advanced Placement classes, and a study abroad program, all of which helps them to learn to manage time and to prepare for the rigors of college and the business world. As David Banks, Principal of the Eagle Academy for Young Men, said, “We just want people to do what they do. Researchers research… but somebody’s got to do some work, and that’s what we’re all about!”