Founded in May of 2009, the Excelsus Foundation is an educational trust that provides solution-based programming for stakeholders in 21st-century education (i.e., life, literacy, and techné), as well as consulting services for schools and organizations that are seeking support or enrichment for their children of color, professional development for staff, or equity and inclusion workshops for all members of their community.

As opposed to being a grant-making entity, the Excelsus Foundation actively seeks partnerships and a diverse clientele in order to execute its mission of providing the highest quality of academic and creative enrichment for all interested youth. The ultimate goal of the Excelsus Foundation is to narrow the achievement gaps that thwart the academic and lifelong learning potential of American students.

Through such programs as the Excelsus Saturday Institute, the Excelsus Summer Institute, and the Excelsus August Institute, the Foundation cultivates secure identities and positive self-esteem in African-American boys by means of mentorship, academic preparation, and peer affinity.

Though founded in California, the Excelsus Foundation conducts a suite a programs for children and educators nationwide. Its flagship program, the Excelsus August Institute for African-American Boys (EAI), began in Oakland, but schools, museums, churches, and other nonprofit entities worldwide are encouraged to host the EAI and other programs. 

Most recently, the Foundation has expanded its work to include childhood literacy and such creative enrichment programs as Kid Scribes (storytelling combined with publishing), Shutterbugs (digital photography), and Vegan Chefs (vegan culinary arts). These programs are suitable for English-speaking youngsters across the globe.

As our logo of an ancient charioteer suggests, the Excelsus Foundation prepares students, faculty, managers, and learning communities to steer their own future by combining knowledge, reflection, and enterprise into a curriculum of noble deeds.