Virginia General Assembly Recognizes NCMPEF; Applauds Men’s Support For Youth In Chesapeake

By Dr. George F. Reed
Special to the Guide

RICHMOND

On January 27, members of the New Chesapeake Men For Progress Education Foundation (NCMPEF), attended the Virginia General Assembly to be recognized for the work the foundation has accomplished. NCMPEF provides scholarships to high school graduates, awards to middle school students, supports mentoring programs, and provides school supplies grants to four Title I schools.

The Foundation was a recipient of House Joint Resolution NO: 496, sponsored by Delegate C.E. Cliff Hayes, and Senator Lamont Bagboy.  The Resolution detailed the work, accomplishments, and leadership of Al Alexander, board chairman, NCMPEF.

Also, House Joint Resolution NO 533, sponsored by Delegates Hayes, Ladarius Clark, Patrick Hope, and Sam Raoul, recognized the 15 years of accomplishments by the Foundation, citing the $229,000 awarded in scholarships to 250 high school graduates; $5,500 to support mentoring initiatives, and the $4,000 school supplies grants to four title I schools in Chesapeake. The Resolution cited the Foundation for increasing the amount of its schools supplies grant and adding one more title School to become recipients of the grant.  That means that the foundation will be providing a total of $3,500 in 2025 to support its mentoring and school supplies program and a cumulative total of more than $13,000 since these programs were started.

NCMPEF is in the process of planning its 17th Annual Black Male Achievement and Scholarship Breakfast which is scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Chesapeake Conference Center. The keynote speaker for this event is the Honorable Phillip D. Jones, mayor, Newport News, Virginia. He is the city’s youngest elected mayor, and under his administration, Newport News was awarded the All-American City designation for the first time, highlighting the city’s progress and dedication to community engagement and improvement.

During the program, the Foundation will award 21 $1,000.00 scholarships to the top three students from the seven high schools. In August 2025, the Foundation will also award the late (1) Dr. William E. Ward Family Scholarship; (2) NCMPEF Fine Arts Scholarship; (3) George McCadden Family  Vocational Trades and Technology Scholarship; (4) Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority Scholarship to graduates living in public housing or whose parents are using Housing Choice Vouchers; (5) NCMPEF/Chesapeake Education Association Teacher Scholarship; (6) InterCooler Vocational Trades and Technology Scholarship;  (7) March Cromuel Community Engagement Scholarship; and the (8) NCMPEF Vocational Trade and Technology Scholarship. The Foundation is adding this year’s (9) Norfleet Claude, Jr., Music and Band Scholarship. A total of $30,000 will be awarded in scholarships this year.

At the conclusion of 2025, the Foundation will have awarded $259,000 in scholarships, $6,500 to support mentoring initiatives, and $8,000 in school supplies for five Title I Schools since its incorporation as a 501 (C) (3) public charity.

Also, during the program, the Foundation will be awarding the late Dr. Darnell Johnson Middle School Scholar Award to ten (10) outstanding middle school students; one from each of Chesapeake’s Middle Schools. Each student will be presented an achievement medallion, and a $100 gift card. They serve as models of excellence in social behavior and academic achievement, and this program supports them as they strive to achieve excellence and create a culture of excellence throughout the school system. This program is fully funded by Dr. Stephanie D.B. Johnson, the widow of the late Dr. Darnell Johnson.

For individuals, corporations, and community organizations that wish to support the mission of the Foundation, you may purchase tickets, sponsorships, ads or simply make a donation.

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For more information call (757) 650-0174 or (757) 477-3933.