ISSUE #2 - JUNE 2026
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS.
As we get closer to wrapping up another Academy 4 year, I want to thank you for building meaningful relationships with our students. As a mentor or club leader, you have impacted the lives of 4th graders who joyfully talk to their families about you when they go home after their Academy 4 Friday. Your time with your 4th graders—sharing your passion, listening to them, playing games, reading together—will be shared with their families because you matter to them. Thank you for investing your heart, your time, and your passion into the life of a 4th grader this year. Your impact will ripple far beyond what you can see.
Dear Academy 4 friends,
John ShearerExecutive Director, Academy 4
At Academy 4, the heart of our program is changing lives through relationships, and we use Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework to help guide every mentor–student connection. This month, we’re focusing on the first three elements that make these relationships strong:
Express Care: Show students they matter through attention, encouragement, and genuine presence.
Challenge Growth: Inspire them to keep learning, stretching, and trying new things.
Provide Support: Walk alongside them as they work through tasks and pursue their goals.
These small, but meaningful actions helps our mentors make a lasting impact in the lives of our students.
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. We’re proud to celebrate Doris Ford as our Community Champion!
Thank You Foodies!
Church Partner Highlight
Good eats. Good time. Good cause. We are honored to be the 2026 Beneficiary of Foodie Philanthropy. The idea behind Foodie Philanthropy is simple: instead of one big gala, participating restaurants each host a “Table of 10” for one night, where guests enjoy a chef-curated meal while raising money for a good cause. Together we raised $135,580! Thank YOU to all who made this record-breaking amount possible!
Double Your Impact, Double Your Gift!
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 2026.
GIVE A
ONE TIME GIFT
A one-time gift of $250 supports a full year of Spark Clubs at one school.
BECOME A MENTOR
Make a lasting impact by becoming an Academy 4 mentor. 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.