The Eagle Academy Foundation

The Eagle Academy Foundation challenges systemic barriers,
thereby empowering young men of color to achieve their desired educational, career, and life outcomes.
We deliver strategic direct-impact work and advance institutional change toward equity.
2004
THE EAGLE ACADEMY FOR YOUNG MEN OPENS
The first Eagle Academy opened in the Bronx, addressing a critical need for educational opportunities for young men of color.
2005
THE EAGLE ACADEMY FOUNDATION
EAF was established to grow a network of schools and programs to serve young men of color in NYC and beyond.
2008
EAGLE ARRIVES IN BROOKLYN
Eagle Academy for Young Men at Ocean Hill opened, expanding the mission to Brooklyn.
2010
EAGLE EXPANDS TO QUEENS
Eagle Academy for the Young Men of Southeast Queens began operations, continuing the vision of educational empowerment.
2012
EAGLE CROSSES INTO NEW JERSEY
Eagle Academy for the Young Men of Newark launched, marking the first Eagle Academy outside of New York City.
2013
EAGLE EXPANDS TO HARLEM
Opened Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem, extending our mission to young men of color in Manhattan.
2014
EAGLE REACHES STATEN ISLAND
Eagle Academy for the Young Men of Staten Island opened, completing the network across all five boroughs of NYC.
2016
EAGLE INSTITUTE LAUNCHES
EI provides training and support to adults to improve how they work with young men of color.
2021
NETWORK FULLY DEVELOPED
Achieved a 6th-12th grade model across all Eagle Academy schools.
2022
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Donald M. Ruff Jr. transitions into a new role as President and CEO.
2023
EAGLES SOARING BEYOND LAUNCHES
Rolled out programs for post-secondary success, equipping young men with meaningful opportunities after high school.
2024
EAF20 CAMPAIGN ACTIVATION
Celebrating 20 years of impact and growth, reinforcing Eagle Academy’s commitment to young men of color.

LEGACY: 20 YEARS OF SOARING HIGH

Our Focus

Young Men of Color are at the center of our work. 

98%

Young Men of Color

80%

Low income free or reduced lunch eligibility

90%

Black and Latino Young Men

50%

Enter Eagle performing 1 or 2 levels below grade level

Our Impact

For 20 years, we’ve transformed lives and communities, shaping future leaders through education, guidance, and opportunity.

40,250

young men of color served nationwide

2000

Leaders Trained & Coached

98%

Graduation Rate

3000+

Alumni

Meet our talented Eagles who are impacting their communities.
Yield Giving Open Call Awards $2 Million Grant to The Eagle Academy Foundation
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The 2023 Above & Beyond: Innovators
New Yorkers who are disrupting the status quo and driving transformative change.
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Eagle Academy Foundation welcomes Donald Ruff as new president/CEO
The Eagle Academy Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to empower young Black and Brown...
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Queens School Receives $10,000 Grant For Music Program
The award was presented by Spectrum’s Director of Government and Community Strategy Jonelle Johnson and AXS TV’s Gyneen Meyers...
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The Eagle Academy Foundation's All-Male College Fair Returns to Impact More Young Men of Color
NEW YORK, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Eagle Academy Foundation (EAF) is excited to announce the return of its All-Male College Fair...
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Signature Events

Career Pathways Expo
Location TBD
12/10/25

The Career Pathways Expo connects students with professionals from diverse industries, offering insight into a variety of career fields. Through interactive sessions, students engage with experts, participate in workshops, and discover potential career tracks aligned with their passions and skills. This event helps scholars build the foundation for long-term success by providing exposure to real-world career opportunities and the tools to pursue them. 

All-Male College Fair
Location TBD
3/25/26

The All Male College Fair provides a unique opportunity for young men to explore higher education pathways with representatives from colleges and universities across the nation. This event ensures that every Eagle scholar is equipped with the knowledge and resources to navigate the college admissions process and make informed decisions about their future. Whether students are exploring traditional four-year institutions or specialized programs, the All Male College Fair opens doors to new possibilities.