What We Do to Make a Difference
Programs Offered by C.R.A.F.T., Inc
Eagles Program
C.R.A.F.T. changed its focus to the mentoring of elementary students through the Eagles Program in 1991. The primary mission of the Eagles Program is to build self-esteem and self worth in African American youth by providing role models, leadership and guidance for the students.
C.R.A.F.T. partners with the Lorenzo Smith School in Pembroke where students are encouraged to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in their quest for academic excellence.
Sessions with the students cover such topics as personal development, responsibility and identity, goal setting and maintenance of positive friendships. Awards for academic excellence are given out for students who meet the criteria.
C.R.A.F.T. is beginning its 18th year of partnership with Lorenzo Smith School in Pembroke, Illinois.
Student Adoption Program/Student Assistance Fund
The Student Adoption Program (S.A.P.) was initiated in 1991 to assist students in their preparation for and pursuit of post-secondary education.
The Student Adoption Program – S.A.P. focuses on two different groups of students: high school and college. The Program provides academic, social, spiritual and for the college students financial support.
The college students must be enrolled in two-year and four-year post-secondary institutions of higher learning. The program’s focus for the high school students is to assist in their preparation for college enrollment.
Sessions focus on developing and maintaining academic excellence, goal-setting, college preparatory exams, searches, applications and financial aid resources and applications.
The Student Assistance Fund (SAF), a part of the Student Adoption Program, was created to offer financial, social, emotional and spiritual assistance to college students who are primarily from the Pembroke Township area.
The need for professional people in the African-American community is great. It is imperative that we intercede to alleviate stumbling blocks which would prevent our youth from fulfilling their God-given potentials to meet these needs. We seek to accomplish this through our Student Assistance Fund.
The Fund provides financial assistance twice a year to qualifying students who are enrolled in the Student Adoption Program.
Since the inception of the program in 1991 there have been 27 graduates who have earned their bachelor degrees.
C.R.A.F.T. has served 104 students with a total of $106,140 through its Student Assistance Fund.
Hezekiah Brady, Jr. Scholarship Program
The Hezekiah Brady, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2005 in memory of C.R.A.F.T.’s founder. Rev. Brady’s greatest heart’s desire was the salvation of young people and their families. His other desire was to assist African-American young people to reach their fullest God-given potential.
The Scholarship will be offered once a year to an enrolled junior or senior college Student Adoption Program participant. The recipient must have at least a cumulative 2.75 GPA and must show leadership qualities as part of the application process.
$11,500 has been awarded to 6 students since 2005:
2005-2006 School Year
Keisha Williams-$3,000 Award
Xavier University
2007-2008 School Year
Maurine Lloyd- $2,000 Award
LeMoyne-Owen College
Shana Miles-$2,000 Award
Howard University
2008-2009 School Year
Sade` Johnson- $2,000 Award;St. Joseph’s College
2009-2010 School Year
Wylodean Ledbetter Lynch-$1,500.00 Award
Tennessee State University
St. Joseph’s College
Summer Enrichment Program
C.R.A.F.T.’s Summer Enrichment Program is a part of the organization’s Eagles and Student Adoption Programs.
The goal of the program is to provide 7th-8th graders and high school students with an additional opportunity to hone their reading and writing skills. In addition, the young people will participate in roundtable discussions regarding career paths, personal responsibility and growth.
Other activities will include field trips and guest speakers from various professions.
C.R.A.F.T. just completed its 6th year of the Summer Enrichment/Literacy Program.