The Jackie Robinson Foundation is a national, non-profit organization (501c3) which gives scholarships to minority youths for higher education, as well as preserving the legacy of Baseball Hall of Fame member, Jackie Robinson. The foundation was founded by Rachel Robinson, the wife of Jackie, in 1973, a couple of months after his death. The foundation provides generous fourâ€"year college scholarships in conjunction with a comprehensive set of skills and opportunities to disadvantaged students of color to ensure their success in college and to develop their leadership potential. Its handsâ€"on, fourâ€"year program includes peer and professional mentoring, internship placement, extensive leadership training, international travel and community service options, the conveyance of practical life skills, and a myriad networking opportunities. The Foundation's strategic combination of financial assistance and support services results consistently in a nearly 100% college graduation rate. Since its founding, over 1,450 scholars have received scholarships. Support for the foundation comes from various sponsors. Among its supporters are Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, General Electric, Goldman Sachs, and Nike, Inc..
The Jackie Robinson Foundation is poised to establish the Jackie Robinson Museum in lower Manhattan. More than a permanent tribute to Jackie Robinson's pioneering legacy and role as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, the museum will serve as a venue for vibrant dialogue on critical social issues and as a destination for innovative educational programming. The Jackie Robinson Museum will commemorate the life and legacy of a true American hero through an exploration of his commitment to service and to the achievement of "first class citizenship" for all Americans. It will be a prominent stop on existing cultural routes in New York City and environs, and as a venue for lectures, concerts and receptions. It will serve as a forum for debate and discussion reflecting the ways in which we as a society also can progress through an understanding that one life can make a difference.
ROBIE Award
The foundation presents the ROBIE award, a tribute to an individual who has promoted and expanded opportunities for minorities in the corporate world. The 2015 awardees were filmmaker and philanthropist Tyler Perry, Chairman and CEO of The Bank of New York Mellon, Gerald Hassell, and retired President and CEO of McDonald's, Don Thompson. Previous honorees have included Mariano Rivera, Bruce Ratner, Thomas Tull, Henry Louis Gates, Paul Tagliabue, Sean Combs, Rita Moreno, Robert Redford, George Lucas, Robin Roberts, John D. Finnegan, Joe J. Plumeri, Hillary Clinton, John Thain, Michael Jordan, Ella Fitzgerald, Arthur Ashe, Pete Rozelle, Clive Davis, Magic Johnson, Dick Gregory and Desmond Tutu.
References
External links
- Jackie Robinson Foundation official website
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