Atlanta Falcons Commit to Louisiana Kids

The Atlanta Falcons announced today a contribution to Arete Scholars Fund for the 2015-16 school year and the education of Louisiana school children. With its latest commitment, the Falcons organization will have funded 70 K-12 scholarships for at-risk students since 2013. The scholarships empower lower income parents to choose schools that best meet the learning needs of their children.

“The Falcons are committed to serving youth through our Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation grants and the community outreach activities of our players, coaches, staff and Atlanta Falcons Women’s Association,” said Greg Beadles, Atlanta Falcons executive vice president – chief administrative and financial officer.  “We recognize the importance of improving access to education to children in need, and we are proud to support the Arete Scholars Fund.”

Given under Louisiana’s Tuition Donation Rebate Program, the Falcons’ gift will help deliver new educational opportunities to those children who face the greatest obstacles to academic and personal achievement. The unique program allows any Louisiana tax filer to invest directly in the education of underserved children. Donors receive a 95% cash rebate after their contribution is used for scholarships and confirmed by the state.

“The Atlanta Falcons have stepped up in response to a big need,” said Derek Monjure, president at Arete Scholars Fund. “The organization’s commitment to the education of children living on the margins of our society will help transform lives and communities for generations to come.”

The Tuition Donation Rebate Program was signed into law in 2012 to help expand educational options for Louisiana families that would otherwise have no other educational choices. To be eligible, students must meet certain enrollment and family income criteria. Scholarships are awarded directly to families and may be used at any accredited and participating private school in Louisiana.

“For the kids we serve, the high school graduation rate is tragically low, around 60 percent,” said Monjure. “Programs like ours provide new learning opportunities for these children and prove highly effective at raising academic performance and charting a new course for success.”

“More than 400 kids have applied for scholarships next school year, and we need more partners to join us in this work,” said Monjure.