Jenkins Honored OIC 'Game Changer Award'

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On May 1, 2018, five dynamic leaders in Philadelphia who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others through workforce development, innovation and philanthropy will be honored at the Innovate Ignite imagine OIC Luncheon.Congratulations to our Founder and Chairman, Malcolm Jenkins recipient of the- GAME CHANGER AWARD! The Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc.–or OIC–works to open opportunities for all members of the community, helping people everywhere get the skills they need to get good jobs and advance in their careers.  It's mission is to assist the unemployed, the underemployed, the homeless, and disadvantaged youth and adults to achieve self-sufficiency and empowerment, primarily through education, training, job placement, and through supportive human services, housing and economic development. Philadelphia OIC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1964 by the late Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, who was an internationally-recognized advocate for civil and economic rights for all.

7th Annual Next Level Youth Football Camp Adds Shine Tumbling for Cheerleaders

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Fri., June 22 (Age 14-17) and Sat, Jun 23 (Age 7-13)

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Piscataway High School

100 Behmer Rd, Piscataway Township, NJ

Registration Opens

Saturday, April 21, 2018 @ 8amEST

Jenkins honored with 'Love for the City' Award

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Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion safety Malcolm Jenkins was honored by Temple University’s Beasley School of Law’s Sports Law Program with the Love for the City Award at a dinner and awards ceremony on April 18.Jenkins and former Pennsylvania governor and current Comcast sports analyst Ed Rendell offered remarks.Jenkins was  honored for his leadership in the Players Coalition.The Love for the City Award is presented annually to individuals or an organization whose contributions transcend sports.

HONORING EXCELLENCE - JENKINS RECEIVES YOUNG ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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On Friday, April 13, 2018 The Ohio State University honored a distinguished few of its 200,000+ alumni.  Their accomplishments are tangible evidence of the lasting value of an arts and sciences education. Their contributions to their fields, communities, country, college and university make a lasting difference - locally and globally.   Joining the ranks the distinguished few is our very own Chairman and Founder, Malcolm Jenkins, who received the Young Alumni Achievement Award, which recognizes an alum under the age of 30, for their outstanding achievement and civic involvement throughout their career .[one_second][/one_second] Young Alumni Achievement AwardMalcolm JenkinsDistinguished Achievement AwardsThomas MurnaneDerek WhiddonColleen McMahonFred SilvermanShuzaburo Takeda

Super Bowl Party For The Homeless

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On Sunday Feb.4, 2018 at 5:00 PM, Chosen 300 Ministries, Inc. hosted its Annual Super Bowl Party For The Homeless. While Malcolm Jenkins was tackling the Patriots on the field he was defending the needs of others by making sure they had a enjoyable experience at the Chosen 300 Super Bowl Party.  This year Chosen 300's Annual Super Bowl Party was sponsored solely by The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.  
 
The day started with a Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 AM and all who attended received a wrist band to re-enter for the party at 5PM.  
 
Event Schedule: 
  • 5:00 PM - Doors Open for Homeless Guest
  • 5:30 PM  - Pre-Game Lunch
  • 6:30 PM - Super Bowl Kick Off
  • Half-Time - A Full Course BBQ Chicken Dinner. 10:00 PM or End of Super Bowl - Homeless Guest Depart
Executive Director Brian Jenkins (no relation) states "many of us have the opportunity to gather together with friends to watch the game, but for those who live in the streets and shelters, they do not share this same pleasure. Chosen 300 uses this day as an avenue to provide hope and help to those in need." 
 
Chosen 300 Ministries is a inter-denominational ministry that is well known for its work in Center City Philadelphia, West Philadelphia & Pottstown; distributing more than 150,000 meals a year to the homeless of our region.   The organization also provides hunger relief in Guyana, Jamaica, India, Nigeria, Liberia, Uganda & South Africa.  For more Information on Chosen 300 log on to www.chosen300.org 

TMJF Teams Up with Philadelphia Police For A Holiday Surprise for 140 Families

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On Dec. 18, 2017, Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl Safety Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) provided holiday meal baskets for 140 Philadelphia families at the Foundation’s annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department. Fellow Eagles defensive backs Rodney McLeod, Patrick Robinson, Jalen Mills, Jaylen Watkins, Corey Graham, and Sidney Jones were also in attendance to help anywhere they were needed. The day consisted of packing, filling and spreading holiday cheer to everyone around.In keeping with the jersey number (27) that Malcolm wears on the field, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation selected 27 local social service organizations to serve as partners in identifying five (5) families in need of a festive blessing, from within the community their organization serves.  Each partnering organization picked up the festive gifts during the event, and delivered them to the families of their choosing.The event was hosted by the Philadelphia Police Department at the Police Athletic League center in Strawberry Mansion. In addition to packing and handing out dinner baskets at PAL, Malcolm Jenkins, Eagles players, TMJF volunteers, along with Philadelphia PAL and Community Relations Officers hand
delivered holiday dinner baskets to several families with children under the age of 15, surprising each child with toys. Many families received toys this holiday season, thanks to the generous contributions from Hersha Hospitality, United Bank of Philadelphia, The Ohio State University Alumni Club of Philadelphia and Damari Savile who each conducted toy drives for the Foundation.In the past year, Malcolm has continued to work with Commissioner Ross and others in the Philadelphia Police Department to explore and support department efforts to strengthen trust within the community. The ongoing collaboration underscores the spirit of giving during the holidays, and the importance of “giving back” to people living in challenged communities in Philadelphia, where 27 percent of households live below the poverty level.Thanks to the assistance of Brown ShopRite, the Foundation received select food items for the holiday dinner baskets. In addition, a grant from Keystone First was given to the Foundation to help assist in filling the baskets with the necessary food items. Also, a warm thank you to Dunkin’ Donuts (Cecil B. Moore Ave., Philadelphia, PA and Ogontz Ave., Wyncote, PA locations) and Starbucks (Flourtown, PA) for providing all our volunteers with the necessary food and drinks to keep them warm during the packing and delivering.

'FLY AS ONE' T-SHIRT

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Have you seen our new #FlyAsOne t-Shirts? They're really cool... Also, they benefit a good cause! Your purchase supports our commitment to youth development initiatives and programs that emphasize mentorship, character development, leadership, education, life skills, health and recreation. Click the link to order your  Exclusive #FlyAsOne t-shirt today! http://bit.ly/2AaYNwH💚 
 

Malcolm Jenkins Is The Eagles' Nominee For The Walter Payton NFL Man Of The Year Award

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The Philadelphia Eagles have named safety Malcolm Jenkins as their nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.Considered one of the league’s most prestigious honors, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field as well as excellence on the field.Three of the 32 nominees will be selected as finalists for the national award, renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back. Finalists will be announced in January 2018."I'm so proud to be the Philadelphia Eagles' nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award," Jenkins said."I think it's important for athletes on any level, but especially pro athletes, to use their platform for more than themselves, more than the monetary gains, but to really make an impact."Jenkins leads the team tied for the best record in the NFL with 93 tackles. He also has two interceptions and a sack.One of the best free agent signings in Eagles history, Jenkins has four interception returns for touchdowns since joining the team in 2014 which ranks second just behind Eric Allen for most in the team record book.In 2015, Jenkins earned his first Pro Bowl nomination after career highs in tackles (120), pass deflections (15), and forced fumbles (3).Jenkins was previously recognized for his community work back in February as the recipient of the NFLPA's Byron "Whizzer" White Award. Jenkins joined Eagles Hall of Famers Brian Dawkins, Troy Vincent, and Reggie White as previous winners.Vincent and fellow Eagles Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael are former winners of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.  

GIVING TUESDAY

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As most of us are penning our wish lists and trimming the tree, there are thousands of families struggling just to put food on the table.  A nourishing meal with family and friends is a holiday tradition that makes the season special.  At The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, we are committed to making the season brighter for families who might not otherwise be able to share a holiday blessing. This #GivingTuesday we are excited to kick off our annual holiday giving campaign to support our 6th annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise program. In keeping with the jersey number (27) Malcolm wears on the field, we are partnering with 27 local churches and social service organizations in both Philadelphia, PA and New Orleans, LA, to put food on the tables of 270 families in need of a holiday blessing.  With your help, we will raise funds to continue to spread the spirit of giving, providing a turkey and all the fixings for a traditional holiday meal for families in the Big Easy and City of Brotherly Love!  In addition to the holiday dinner baskets, toys will be collected to gift to children of the families we serve.Here are a few simple ways you can help us make a big impact:

  • Make a donation on #GivingTuesday.
  • Join us as a volunteer for the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise events.
  • Spread the word. Help us get the word out on social media using @TheMJFoundation and the hashtag #GivingTuesday.
  • Do something kind for another person.
Your generosity and #GivingTuesday donation, will help us build our baskets and keep our holiday tradition alive for 270 families in need.  We need your help to ensure our neighbors don’t go hungry this holiday season. Please support. With gratitude.

Malcolm Jenkins Showcases Sports Science To Local Students

For the second year, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation teamed up with Drexel University's ExCITe Center to host elementary and middle school students from the Philadelphia Promise Zone to provide them with the ability to learn using the S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, athletics, and math) method. After a successful one-week pilot program in 2016, the Young Dragons Summer S.T.E.A.M. day camp was expanded to six weeks with two weeks focused on S.T.E.A.M.-based curriculum."Our school system is forced to think about budgets and performance, and what happens is it just becomes a pipeline instead of a true educational institution. As long as they're pushing kids through, that's all that matters. They're missing a bunch of talent, especially in these underserved communities," Jenkins said. "There are talented and bright minds that need to be cultivated or given an opportunity to grow. This is an opportunity for us to spark some of those minds and let the kids go where they may."On Friday, Jenkins hosted over 40 of the students at the NovaCare Complex to show how the Eagles' Sports Science program incorporates all of the elements of S.T.E.A.M. Jenkins had a lightbulb moment while working out one day at the team's practice facility this offseason. He saw the monitor which displays a player’s power output while lifting weights and the students came to mind.
  "I thought this would be an awesome experience to bring the kids here and talk to them about sports science and what goes into practice, training, recovery, and rest," Jenkins said.Head strength coach Josh Hingst and director of high performance Shaun Huls embraced the idea and they did a similar presentation to the one that they give the players.The students spent time in the indoor bubble learning how to stretch properly before running through an obstacle course. They received healthy eating tips and grasped the importance of getting the proper amount of sleep every night. Jenkins admitted though that his favorite part of the day, however, was seeing the kids' faces light up with the technology that is used in the weight room."Coming to Philly, we realized that there is a jewel of resources right in the heart of the city that many kids don't have access to," said Gwendolyn Jenkins, Malcolm's mother and the president of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. "A part of the goal with the S.T.E.A.M. program is to provide them access to resources right there in their neighborhoods and to expose them to a way of learning that would introduce them to the industry of S.T.E.A.M."It can help them make choices and deal with challenges in everyday life that they learn through S.T.E.A.M., but also make good education choices and hopefully will inspire them to spark something of interest like maybe a career in science or math because they didn't have the knowledge or the understanding of how it plays with everything else they do in life. That's the goal."The Philadelphia Promise Zone is a two-mile section of West Philadelphia that was designated by the Obama administration because of an extremely high poverty rate of 51 percent, nearly double that of the rest of the city. The initiative helps connect local residents with organizations that work to provide better education, jobs, housing, and health services."The biggest thing we want to do with the foundation is give underserved children experiences. Personally, I know how all of these experiences I've had as an adult have made me who I am. I know how much a difference it has made in my life. I really want to give kids the opportunities that they otherwise wouldn't have," Malcolm Jenkins said.Jenkins was the recipient of the Byron “Whizzer” White Award in 2017, which is the "highest honor" given by the NFLPA to "the player who is just as dedicated off the field as he is on the field through community service in their team cities and hometowns." Since launching The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation in 2010, Jenkins has created special programs and events in his hometown of Piscataway, New Jersey and the three places where he's played football at the college and professional levels: Columbus, Ohio; New Orleans, and Philadelphia."I think we all have an obligation to use our platform, whatever it is, to make a difference to others and in the lives of others and to make this place we're living in a better place," Gwendolyn Jenkins said. "He has a large platform and he's using it to the fullest. That's all you can ask for, really. Making a difference. That's what life is about. How many lives did you impact? I think he's doing a great job. As a mom, I'm proud of that moreso than the football."Original article by Chris McPherson: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Malcolm-Jenkins-Showcases-Sports-Science-To-Local-Students/2f2d77a9-732f-47ba-b4b4-1d4f3c1c2b8e

TMJF Host 6th annual Next Level Youth Football Camp

On June 23-24,  The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation kicked off its sixth annual Next Level Youth Football Camp for 475 boys and girls, ages 7-17 at Piscataway High School.  Jenkins, a native New Jerseyan, along with several other prominent current and former NFL players, served as mentors providing hands-on instruction and motivational lessons, with support of local area high school coaches and community partners.  Participants were grouped based on age, with an emphasis placed on skill development, safety, and fun of the game.
“Our goal is to create a safe sports culture by educating and building awareness around health and safety topics for parents and the campers, which can encourage conversation between them and make a big difference in their overall wellness,” said Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, President of the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.Sport Testing Inc., a leading provider of sport specific player testing and athletic assessment technologies, provided state-of-the-art combine testing to all campers, sponsored by Dynasty Sports Group, a company founded by former New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Champion and Jenkins former teammate, Marques Colston.“Each year, we try to add unique and innovative components to the program to make it a better experience for the campers. Since 2012, the camp has grown approximately 25 percent each year and I’m grateful to have the support of my NFL colleagues and High School coaches, who give their time and effort to coach and mentor the kids, which we hope will have a positive and lasting impact in their lives,” said Malcolm Jenkins. NFL players participating in the camp include Devin McCourty (New England Patriots), Sidney Jones (Philadelphia Eagles), Ron Brooks (Philadelphia Eagles), Travell Dixon (Carolina Panthers), Marques Colston (former New Orleans Saints), Brandon Bing (former New York Giants) and Steven Miller (former Detroit Lions).This year’s camp was made possible through the generosity of sponsors and community partners including AT&T, Piascik, The Heldrich, The Muscle Maker Grill, Dynasty Sports Group, Piscataway Township Schools, Safe Kids New Jersey, Philadelphia Eagles, RWJ Barnabas Health, American Water, Simon’s Fund, NAMI, Thomas Sweet, State Farm Agent Robby West, BASH, Township of Piscataway, Piscataway PBA Local 93, North Shelton Volunteer Fire Department, the NFLPA and its partners QuestNutrition, CorePower, SKLZ, Dometic and a grant from the NFL Foundation. See full photo gallery here.

Malcom Jenkins – Nominated for Humanitarian of the Year

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As a defensive back in the NFL, Malcolm Jenkins is paid to take away from opposing offenses.But giving back is what fuels his life.Jenkins started his own non-profit organization, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, to help bring about positive change in the lives of underserved communities by providing resources, innovative opportunities and experiences to help them succeed in life. Guided by the core values of integrity, service, community and fiscal accountability, the foundation aims to be an organization that provides a positive and lasting impact to the communities it serves in New Jersey, Louisiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.It was those values instilled in Jenkins by his parents, coaches, teachers, mentors and the church at a young age that drove Jenkins to succeed professionally as an athlete and entrepreneur. He wants to help others in need of that same type of support growing up to inspire them to become successful adults.To date, the Jenkins Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships through the Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S program (Reinforcing Education With Activities, Recreation and Developmental Supports) with a four-year life skills curriculum, a program more than 200 students participate in each year. Of the 72 graduating high school seniors to receive scholarships through the Foundation, just under half are first generation college students.In addition to his Foundation, Jenkins has also spearheaded a Cease Fire Campaign to reduce gun violence in New Orleans while helping support to families affected by Hurricane Katrina.Jenkins attended Piscataway Township (New Jersey) high school and helped the football team win three consecutive state titles as a defensive back and wide receiver while also capturing a state track and field title in the 400 meters during his junior year. He was recruited by Ohio State and capped off a four-year career by winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football.A first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2009, Jenkins helped New Orleans capture a Super Boow title during his rookie season. After five years with the Saints, Jenkins moved to the Philadelphia Eagles where he earned his first Pro Bowl nomination in 2015. Of his 14 career interceptions, Jenkins has returned six of them for a touchdown.You can support your favorite nominee in this campaign by favoriting, donating, tweeting and joining his/her team with a chance to be recognized as one of his/her top supporters.  Starting Friday, June 9, you can also come back daily to “Boost” your favorite nominee.  Fans receive points for joining a team, donating, tweeting, boosting or responding to “ do-gooder challenges”.The direct link to Malcolm’s page is https://asu.givkwik.com/MalcolmJenkinsAbout the award: Started in 2013 by Alan Pavlosky and Scott Manthorne, Co-Founders of All Sports United, the Most Valuable Philanthropist seeks to recognize the effort of deserving sports philanthropists each year and bring positive news while highlighting the amazing charitable work of many in the sports community.  The winner of the award will receive $10,000 to his or her charity of choice.  The campaign is supported by technology partners Givkwik and xocial.  Each of the partners plays a crucial role in executing the campaign.  Special Thanks to All Sports United Supporter Jeff Tutor for his contributions to the campaign. This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 at 10:36 pm by By Erik Erlendsson http://allsportsunited.org/news/malcom-jenkins/

YOUNG DRAGONS

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The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is expanding its partnership with Drexel University offering a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Design, Athletics, and Mathematics) infused summer program, called Young Dragons. Participating students will have the opportunity to examine technology and science through visual and performance arts and athletics, utilizing the methodology of the holistic STEAM approach.Initially piloted with the ExCITe Center in 2016 as Summer STEAM, this summer camp collaboration offers elementary and middle school students living near Drexel’s campus the opportunity to participate in a FREE six-week program with two-weeks of focused STEAM enrichment. This summer’s camp merges the STEAM curriculum piloted in 2016 with the established literacy and enrichment programs of 21st Century Learning Center and Lindy Center for Civic Engagement.͞The goal of this unique transdisciplinary program is to engage, educate and inspire students, regardless of their background or financial resources, to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, athletics, and mathematics — STEAM — in a creative and engaging form.  As part of the six week camp, students in Young Dragons will explore Music Technology (Acoustics and Sound Synthesis), Visual Arts (Geometry and Drawing/Painting), Computer Game Design & Coding, and Dance (Biology and Movement). The program’s Athletics module will illustrate how science and technology can enhance physical health and training. All participants will have the opportunity to develop individual inquiry-based projects and participate in a student showcase on the last day of camp. STEAM enrichment would compromise a two-week portion within the six-week camp.

The Young Dragons program has been designed specifically to meet the needs of children living in close proximity to Drexel, in a two-square-mile area called the Promise Zone that has been federally designated for support due to the challenges it faces associated with persistent poverty.
The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is thrilled to be part of this unique collaboration, which will have a tremendous impact on Philadelphia youth. 
 
When youth are exposed to new experiences like Summer S.T.E.A.M., they can see what’s possible, whether that’s a future career in music technology or coding or another S.T.E.A.M. field.  It’s our vision and goal to provide them with a unique, innovative program that will open their minds and motivate them to complete their education,  said Malcolm Jenkins, Eagles Safety and the Founder & Chairman of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.
 
The Young Dragons program is an extension of the educational programs currently offered by the Foundation, including Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S., a life skills curriculum and the Malcolm Jenkins Scholars. Prior to the start of the camp, students from McMichael School will participate in a creative Young Dragons Logo Design Competition. The student winner will be announced at ExCITe’s Open House on June 2 and have his or her logo design showcased on the program tee shirts.
 
On Friday, July 21, the Young Dragons will also have the opportunity to take an interactive tour of the Eagles facility and practice field. While at the facility,
students will engage in athletics and technology-focused learning modules, such as tracking their power outputs using the Eagles athletic training technology and participating in a special obstacle course, to gain first-hand experience of the importance of STEAM in a professional sports setting.
The expanded offerings in the Young Dragons program allows us to reach more children in the Promise Zone and engage them in the 21st Century skills enabled by STEAM learning.
                                                                       

Young Dragons is open to students entering first through eighth grades. It will be held at Drexel from June 26th to August 4th from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM.   Applications for this year’s Young Dragons’ program open on April 17th and will be made available through the following schools: Alain Locke Elementary, Morton McMichael School, and Martha Washington Elementary.For more information, please reach out to SMT@excitecenter.org indicating Young Dragons in the subject line.  

Malcolm Jenkins Visits University City School

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Some students at Jubilee School in University City got a surprise visitor on Friday when Malcolm Jenkins visited their school. Jenkins spoke to the students about social issues, Congress, and other subjects.                                         Jubilee's 2nd grade (PHL) is excited about activist and Philadelphia Eagles player Malcolm Jenkins - NFL Defensive Back ❤️ coming to visit! #activist #BlackLivesMatterThanks for having me Jubilee School PHL1977 I was so impressed by your students' poetry and other great work around human rights in Philly!

TMJF Surpasses $100,000 in Scholarships to College Bound Students

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On May 11, 2017, NFL Pro Bowl Safety and Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation awarded scholarships to New Orleans college bound seniors, participating in the Foundation’s Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S. program (Reinforcing Education With Activities, Recreation and Developmental Supports) program in collaboration with College Track New Orleans for their commitment to academic excellence, leadership and community.The awards presentation was part of College Track New Orleans’ 6th annual Launch to College Ceremony, held at The Historic Carver Theater in New Orleans. The Foundation honored 16 of the 48 graduating seniors from this year’s class of 2017 as Malcolm Jenkins Scholars. With this honor, each student received a $1,000.00 scholarship toward financing his/her college education. An inspirational keynote address was delivered by The Honorable Terri Fleming Love, Court of Appeals Judge for the 4th District State of Louisiana, to graduating seniors from more than 15 high schools in the New Orleans metro area, their parents and other guests in attendance.“We are so proud to continue our partnership with College Track New Orleans in our mission to creating a positive and lasting impact in the lives of young people and their communities. Each year, we are continually impressed by those students who apply for the scholarship. Their perseverance to transcend the limits of their circumstances, dedication to making a difference, commitment to their education and vision for the future is inspiring,” said Jenkins. To date, more than $101,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded by The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation to 72 graduating high school seniors, of which 48% (35) are first generation college students.The event also honored college graduates from the second cohort of College Track graduates from the class of 2013, many of whom received scholarships from The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, President of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, presented the scholarships, which are awarded for Academic Excellence, Most Improved and Overcoming Adversity.

TMJF and Teleperformance Partner to Help 800 Families in Columbus

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On May 5, 2017, NFL Pro Bowl Safety Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation hosted its third Get Ready Fest™ outreach event in Columbus, Ohio with partners Feed the Children, Teleperformance and PrimaryOne Health. This walk-up event provided 800 hundred (pre-identified) Columbus families each with 25-pounds of food, 10-pounds of essential health and wellness products, a box of Avon products, including makeup, jewelry and perfume; and access to resources and services that improve the health status of families experiencing financial, social and cultural barriers, such as: free adult and children’s health screenings; dental health information; education and social service information relating to GED, job training; and senior and veteran support services. The event also included a children’s resource area - including a petting zoo, new children’s books, haircuts, face painting, and snacks.

OPINION: “I was awarded $2.00 for TOPS, a dollar a semester”

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Karriem Bennet, senior at Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, reads her letter at a campaign rally protesting cuts to Louisiana’s merit scholarship program, TOPS, on April 4, 2017, at the Peoples Health New Orleans Jazz Market.
 

House Education ChairRep. Nancy Landry109 S. College RoadLafayette, LA 70503.Dear Rep. Nancy Landry,

I support one of the Cowen Institute’s recommendations of Instituting a Sliding Scale. If legislators want to ensure all students can remain eligible for the program, regardless of income, I recommend that the state create a means-tested sliding scale that offers students scholarship support based on their family income. All students, regardless of family income, could still qualify for TOPS, but the amount of the award would vary — students coming from families with lower incomes would receive larger rewards than students from families with higher incomes.When Mr. Patrick Taylor conceived the plan in 1988 and the state implemented it as Act 789, TOPS guaranteed access to college for low- and moderate-income students based on their academic achievements, and not on their ability to pay. In 1997, the governor enacted Act 1375 and Act 287 — removing the income cap. I personally believe the income cap was removed to assist the wealthier citizens of Louisiana. The wealthier citizens did not qualify for Pell Grant assistance, so their friends in the legislature gave them some assistance.According to a U.S. News & World Report “Best States” list in February 2017, Louisiana is the worst state in the country according to a new analysis based on health care, education, infrastructure, crime and other quality-of-life measures. The TOPS program afforded college-age students the ability to stay home or at least in the state to attend college. The state should be thrilled that we are staying home and attending state schools. If TOPS is going to give us $2.00 a semester, then we can go to schools out of the state. If we have to take out loans to attend college we might as well leave the worst-rated state and experience one of the better 49 states.I consider myself to be a fair person; this is why I prefer the instituting of a sliding scale for TOPS. Yes, TOPS started with an income cap, I would qualify under the income cap. I just believe that if we want to make the state a better place for ALL to live, we need to allow financial assistance to ALL that meet the academic criteria. We have to keep our brightest and driven commodities, the youth, in the state. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” — Nelson Mandela. Let’s use TOPS to help us to change Louisiana’s ranking from worst state to best state.Sincerely,Karriem A. BennettWarren Easton Charter High School

A Big Night Draft Watch with Thuzio

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On behalf of Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, thank you for joining us at Victory Beer Hall for the Big Night Draft Watch Party on April 27th, in partnership with Thuzio Executive Club.   Your support led to a successful evening raising $30,000 to benefit our S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Athletics, and Mathematics) infused summer program called, Young Dragons.Young Dragons, initially piloted with Drexel ExCITe Center in 2016 as Summer S.T.E.A.M.,  offers elementary and middle school students living in Philadelphia'sPromise Zone, the opportunity to participate in an expanded six-week program that includes two-weeks focused on STEAM enrichment, in addition to the established literacy and enrichment programs of 21st Century Learning Center and Lindy Center for Civic Engagement. We appreciate you joining us in support of our mission and trust that you had a wonderful time.

Jenkins Partners with Thuzio for Big Night Draft Watch

Philadelphia Pro Bowl Safety, Malcolm Jenkins teams up with Thuzio Executive Club for the Big Night Game Watch at Victory Beer Hall, in Philadelphia, PA.  Guests will watch the prime time, 1st round NFL Draft alongside legendary athletes in an upscale bar setting with refreshments provided.   Event will included live and silent auctions; a moderator Q & A with Malcolm Jenkins.  All proceeds benefit The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.