Since its inception in 1974, the Reggie McKenzie Foundation has touched the lives of over 1,500 metro-Detroit area youth per year preparing them for the future by promoting self-esteem, self-confidence and academic achievement. Beginning as an opportunity to teach area kids football and basketball basics, the Foundation soon saw the need to offer academic enrichment with life skills training.

The following is a continued trend of measurable success of metro Detroit area youth.

88% exhibit strong measurable improvement on the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT)

60% improve more than one year growth in math levels

30% improve more than two years growth in reading levels

ACT scores increase by a minimum of two points

100% matriculation rate to post-secondary programs in 2002

Consistently matriculates 95% of its seniors into post-secondary program

Professional football player Reggie McKenzie had a dream 30 years ago. He wanted to use his athletic and educational backgrounds to begin a program to help inner city youths achieve their own dreams. On June 12, 1974 about 50 youth attended the first Reggie McKenzie Football Clinic in Highland Park, Mich.

From that modest beginning in the summer of 1974, Reggie's efforts to give back to young people in the community have increased dramatically. Today, the Reggie McKenzie Foundation serves over 1,500 youth every year with year-round academic enrichment programs, life skills classes, and five sports clinics.

The Reggie McKenzie Foundation was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1983 with the mission "to prepare young people for the future." The organization promotes self-esteem, self-confidence, and builds character by emphasizing academic excellence athletic accomplishment, and civic responsibility.