Augustus F. Hawkins Foundation

The Augustus F. Hawkins Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, with a focus on educational initiatives and programs aimed at supporting underrepresented communities. The organization is named after Augustus F. Hawkins, a prominent civil rights advocate and U.S. Congressman, who was instrumental in developing legislation that advanced educational opportunities and rights for minorities.

History and Purpose

Established with the goal of promoting educational equity, the Augustus F. Hawkins Foundation is dedicated to fostering programs that enhance the quality of teacher preparation, particularly in institutions serving diverse populations. The foundation emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in education, particularly for students of color, and aims to address the ongoing teacher shortage by preparing and supporting a diverse educator workforce.

The foundation plays a role in the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This program supports high-quality teacher preparation programs in various educational institutions, particularly those that focus on serving historically marginalized groups, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) such as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) [2][4].

Programs and Initiatives

The foundation has been involved in several key initiatives, including:

• Teacher Preparation Grants: Through the Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program, the foundation awards grants to various member institutions to enhance their teacher preparation programs. This initiative seeks to recruit and retain well-prepared educators who reflect the diversity of their students and communities [2][5].

• Support for Educators: The foundation implements programs that support prospective teachers, including tutoring, scholarships, and professional development opportunities. These efforts are designed to ensure that future educators are equipped to meet the needs of all students, particularly in high-need local education agencies [3][4].

Financial Information

As of the latest filings, the Augustus F. Hawkins Foundation reported minimal financial activity, with total assets noted at one dollar. The organization is recognized for its tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code, allowing for tax-deductible contributions to support its mission [1].

Significance

The Augustus F. Hawkins Foundation stands as a critical advocate for educational reform and equity in the United States. By continuing to support programs that prioritize diversity within the teaching workforce, the foundation contributes significantly to enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged students and fostering a more inclusive educational landscape.

[1] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/611669955 [2] https://aacte.org/2024/10/aacte-member-institutions-awarded-augustus-f-hawkins-centers-of-excellence-grants-for-fy24/ [3] https://www.shsu.edu/academics/education/hawkins-scholars [4] https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/04/2024-07131/augustus-f-hawkins-centers-of-excellence-program [5] https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/ed-announces-augustus-f-hawkins-center-excellence-program