I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program Launches Successful Attendance, Academic & Athletic Incentive Program at NYC School
In collaboration with Reebok, Nautica, Vince Camuto, and VampCares, the AAA Program empowers students through rewards for attendance, academic excellence, and athletic engagement, while fostering mentorship and community support.
(Bronx, NY) – February 6, 2025 – The I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program, in collaboration with Reebok, Nautica, Vince Camuto, and VampCares, successfully launched the Attendance, Academic & Athletic Incentive Program (AAA) at Bronx Collegiate Academy. The program, which will run for the next four months, aims to reward students for excellence in school attendance, academic performance, and athletic engagement.
The event saw a strong turnout from key community leaders, including New York City Council Member Althea Stevens. "I’m always excited when people realize they have to come to the best borough… the Bronx," Stevens stated. "Making sure that our kids are benefitting and receiving these programs as well, so I’m glad to be here."
Students were visibly excited and engaged, showing their enthusiasm for the AAA Program’s incentive-based approach to achievement. Principal Darryl White shared, "This program is brand new but it goes with our core values of attendance, academics, and athletics. Athletics is a new feature for us. Some things we've done in the past have been effective, but our kids will always benefit from fresh, innovative initiatives.”
The AAA Program introduces a dynamic school-based point system where students accumulate points for consistent attendance, academic effort, and extracurricular participation. Designed to combat truancy, the initiative also offers mentorship, interactive events, and inspiring guest visits from celebrities, including Jim Jones. Jones shared with the students, 'We didn’t have any of these opportunities when I was younger. I think it’s a pretty fair deal—you get to school on time, you get to school every day, and you get access to these opportunities.' As he exclaimed, 'School is very important! I have my diploma, and I can stand up here very proud to say that. Education will take you a long way!'"
Tonya Lewis-Taylor, Executive Director of I WILL GRADUATE, remarked, "This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to empower students and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed academically, athletically, and in life."
By uniting leading brands and community-driven organizations, this initiative highlights a shared commitment to ensuring students have the support and motivation necessary to thrive.
With the launch of the AAA Program, students at Bronx Collegiate Academy now have a unique opportunity to excel in academics, athletics, and beyond, furthering I WILL GRADUATE’s mission of youth empowerment across New York City.
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About the Entertainers For Education Alliance, Inc./I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program
Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, Inc./ I WILL GRADUATE PROGRAM (E4EA-IWG) headquartered in New York City, is a 501(c)(3) founded by Tonya Lewis-Taylor and her husband, J.P. Taylor, have dedicated over 15 years to serving and empowering students, families, and the community through their organization, emphasizing the importance of educational excellence. We accomplish our goals through youth development programs, arts-in-education, college and career guidance, mentoring, parent engagement, school and community workshops, exciting events, and the use of multimedia platforms. We also enlist the talents, and resources of the music and entertainment industry along with prominent high-profile individuals to stress the importance and coolness of being educated - "Smart is the New Cool."
About About Jim Jones & VampCares
Jim Jones is a Hip Hop icon, television star, entrepreneur, and entertainment mogul, best known as a founding member of The Diplomats. With chart-topping hits like “We Fly High” and “Pop Champagne,” Jim has expanded his influence into business, including ventures like VampLife Clothing, VAMP Fit, and his wellness brand. As the founder of VampCares, he is deeply committed to giving back to inner-city youth and fostering positive change. Jim’s most recent music projects include Back in My Prime and collaborations with EMPIRE, consistently earning critical acclaim. @jimjonescapo. VampCares is the philanthropic organization founded by Jim Jones, dedicated to empowering underserved communities. VampCares focuses on youth development, education, wellness, and mentorship initiatives. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and hands-on engagement, the organization works to uplift inner-city youth and provide resources that foster academic, personal, and professional growth.VampCares is committed to creating lasting change and inspiring the next generation to dream big, work hard, and achieve greatness.
About Reebok
Reebok is an iconic and irreverent sports culture brand with a rich and storied fitness heritage dating back to 1895. Founded on athletic footwear that changed the direction of sport, Reebok continues to introduce innovations that propel the industry forward. Today, Reebok sits at the intersection of active, lifestyle and sport, offering high quality and modern styles that are adaptable for every occasion. The brand strives to deliver every athlete, from professionals to enthusiasts, with the opportunity, products and inspiration to reach their full potential. Reebok currently operates in 80 countries with approximately 400 freestanding stores around the world.
For more information, visit Reebok.com or, for the latest news at News.Reebok.com. Discover Reebok on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
About Nautica
Drawing from the essence of the water and the currents of the world, Nautica is a global lifestyle brand that creates style that’s iconic, yet modern and innovative in its fit, feel and function. Nautica is one of the most recognized American brands in the world, with over 70 categories including apparel, accessories and a home collection for men, women and children. Nautica is available in nearly 1,300 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops in more than 30 countries worldwide, as well as on nautica.com.
Follow @nautica on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
About Vince Camuto
Vince Camuto is an aspirational lifestyle brand known for its signature craftsmanship and stand-out style. Sexy, bold and youthful, the acclaimed designer brand blends European styling with on-trend details and an element of sophistication. The brand has successfully transcended its distinctive women’s collections and today offers a broad range of products including footwear, apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as fragrance and home decor. The brand can be found in department stores and specialty retailers across North America and select international regions, as well as, on vincecamuto.com.
Follow Vince Camuto on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
For Jim Jones
Chanel Pettaway 917-690-0059
ChanelRae@TheLegionMediaGroup.com
For E4EA/I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program/Tonya Lewis-Taylor
Ayanna Camara 718-385-3133
acamara@iwgprogram.com