Live the
Mission.
Changing Lives Through Building Relationships
OUR MISSION
Academy 4’s mission is to change lives through relationships. It starts with mentoring every 4th grader in the schools we serve and grows from there. Through Academy 4, Leaders 5, and 4Families, we build lasting relationships that strengthen students, families, and communities.
DEAR
MENTOR…
We love when our students put their gratitude into words. Look what a 4th grader wrote to their mentor.
Community Champion Corner
Turning Service Into Impact
Community Champions are leaders who turn passion into action. They advocate for civic engagement, mobilize others to serve, and help create lasting impact in their communities. This month, we're proud to celebrate Bob Buckel as our Community Champion!
Bob is the recipient of this year’s Gordon/Madrid Impact Award, a prestigious honor named after two 4th-grade teachers who helped shape Academy 4. As President of the Azle Rotary Club, Bob went above and beyond to bring Academy 4 to Cross Timbers and Hilltop Elementary Schools in Azle ISD. He rallied support from the local Rotary Club, helped secure funding, and championed volunteer recruitment.
And he didn’t stop there — Bob also mentors a student at each campus. He’s a true example of what it means to be a LEADER and live the mission of Academy 4.
FAITH IN ACTION
Church Partner Highlight
At Northwood Church, faith is more than belief — it’s a practice rooted in relationships. As a dedicated Academy 4 partner A, Northwood continues to make a lasting impact by consistently showing up and building trust with kids, families and staff at Watauga Elementary.
This partnership isn’t about church growth — it’s about community transformation. From hosting follow-up programs at their church that address real parent needs to creating inclusive, welcoming events like their recent community egg hunt, Northwood continues to invite people into community. Parents who experienced 4Families with Northwood volunteers, invited other families to this event. Relationships formed through 4Families just keep growing and multiplying long after the sessions ended.
We’ve also seen powerful stories unfold: a teacher became a 4Families navigator and eventually joined the church, a school counselor was positively impacted through Northwood’s Hispanic ministry, and many others finding connection, care, and belonging.
Northwood’s approach isn’t about numbers; it’s about names, stories, and presence. They listen to families, follow up with intentional care, and open their space to become a hub of connection and hope.
LEGACY LEADERS
From Mentees To Mentors
We’re celebrating five amazing students who started in Academy 4 as 4th graders and returned as mentors. Now, recently graduated high school seniors receive a $2,000 Full Circle Scholarship to support their education. Their journey is a powerful example of growth, service, and community impact. We even got to surprise two of them in person! Watch their reactions in the full video!
ON CAMPUS
Academy 4 Arrives at Foster Village!
In Episode 2 of On Campus, we take you inside Foster Village Elementary to witness the incredible impact Academy 4 is making, not just in the lives of 4th graders, but across the entire school and community. Watch the Foster Village story!
$25 IN ‘25
You’ve already made a difference — now take one step further.
BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR
A monthly gift of $25 covers all the supplies one 4th grade student needs for Academy 4 in 2025.
GIVE A
ONE TIME GIFT
A one-time gift of $250 supports a full year of Spark Club at one school.
BECOME A MENTOR
Make a lasting impact by becoming an Academy 4 mentor for the 2025–2026 school year. Just 90 minutes, once a month, can change a 4th grader’s life and yours.
SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK
Keep the momentum going! Share Academy 4 with your network and invite others to make a difference too.