PROGRAMS

The Todd Wagner Foundation has dedicated tens of millions of dollars to improving the lives of at-risk children and strengthening underserved communities through a series of programs, each designed to provide the individuals served by those programs with the tools they need to build a bright future.  Below are just some of the programs created or supported by the Foundation.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

The Foundation first partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2007 to unite the Foundation’s MIRACLES program with BGCA’s ClubTech technology program (now called “My.Future”).  MIRACLES is a comprehensive multi-year program designed to serve young people in center city communities by building technology skills to increase employability, enhancing academic skills to strengthen reading, math ability and augmenting life skills to create engaged citizens.  The Foundation founded MIRACLES and subsequently implemented and refined the program over the course of several years at locations across the country.  Since initially partnering with the BGCA, the Foundation continues to support BGCA’s mission of providing creative outlets and extending opportunity to children throughout the country, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The Foundation continues to provide major support to the BGCA through a multi-year commitment to the BGCA's Great Futures Campaign.  That initiative is designed to help transform the next generation of Americans into productive, caring, and healthy citizens.  The Foundation’s funds will also assist in the sponsorship of academic success programs.

In addition, the Foundation provides significant funding for the BGCA's Youth of the Year College Scholarship Program.  YOY recognizes young people who have overcome daunting challenges to make outstanding contributions to their family, school, community, and BGCA club.  YOY encourages BGCA members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles, and contributing to their communities.

THE FIRST TEE

The World Golf Foundation created The First Tee in 1997 as a way to bring golf to young people who otherwise would not be exposed to the game and its positive values.  With hundreds of First Tee Learning Facilities and Program Affiliates nationwide, the organization’s mission is to have a positive impact on the lives of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.  Wagner is a national trustee of The First Tee. The Foundation has been a major benefactor of The First Tee and continues to provide significant support to The First Tee's 'Campaign for 10 Million young People.'

AFTER-SCHOOL ALL-STARS

Founded in 1992 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, After-School All-Star’s mission is to give children the tools they need to have successful futures.  ASAS provide comprehensive out-of-school time programs to 72,053 participants at 326 schools in 17 communities around the country.  These programs, which serve primarily middle school students, incorporate academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health and fitness activities.

The Foundation began its support of ASAS in 2001.  The Foundation has since provided major support for ASAS programs nationally, and founded, funded, and launched the North Texas ASAS branch.  Wagner also served on the ASAS national board for a decade.

KIPP (“Knowledge is Power Program”)

KIPP is a non-profit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools serving elementary, middle, and high school students.  KIPP believes all students will learn and achieve at high levels if given the opportunity.  Its mission is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and character strengths they need to seize those opportunities. Great education transforms lives.  KIPP has a 20-year track record of preparing its students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. There currently are 200 KIPP schools, serving nearly 80,000 students.  KIPP graduates, nearly all of whom came from underserved communities, have proven to be five times more likely to earn a four year college degree than students from low-income families generally.

The Foundation has been a major supporter of KIPP since shortly after the Foundation was created.  Mr. Wagner worked directly with KIPP’s co-founders to help them implement their model, which emphasizes academic rigor and family commitment.  In 2003, the Foundation founded the KIPP TRUTH Academy in the Oak Cliff area of South Dallas. KIPP:DFW now has 5 schools in South Dallas serving over 3,000 students.  KIPP:DFW starts the 2016 school year in their very own campus for the first time.

OTHER PHILANTHROPIC VENTURES

In addition to its core focus on disadvantaged youth and underserved communities, the Foundation also has provided extensive support to a wide range of other worthy charities, including organizations focused on health care, youth programs, community outreach, and the arts.