The Eagle Academy Foundation

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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.

“It is our goal for young men to have confidence in themselves and let them be clear that they have something to say in this world. We pride ourselves in being a safe space for young men of color to find their unique voice and then be given the knowledge, skills and abilities to use it courageously, responsibly and unapologetically.” 

Donald M. Ruff Jr.
President & CEO

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

Learn About Our History

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

Learn About Our Initiatives

Eagles Taking Flight

Meet our talented Eagles who are impacting their communities.
NBC: New York's Eagle Academy Foundation eyes national expansion
NBC News' Maya Eaglin reports that after 20 years of success, they're now hoping to expand far beyond the six schools currently operating in New York and New Jersey.
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Taking flight: Eagle Academy celebrates its 20th Anniversary
The Eagle Academy Foundation, a groundbreaking initiative to empower young men of color through all-boys schools, celebrated its 20th anniversary at a spectacular gala in Manhattan.
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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

Eagle Economic Empowerment Expo
Location TBD
6/4/25

This career exposure event offers participating young men of color the chance to engage with admissions representatives and learn about unique higher education programs matched to their future goals.

Audience: 8th and 9th Grade; Male Students

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