History

The MVP Foundation was established in 2011 by a group of Phoenix business leaders who were concerned by the lack of positive role models provided to inner city 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys. We believe that instilling the foundations of leadership in these young men will help open doors to new opportunities.

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Many of these boys have never traveled outside of Maricopa County; thus, the MVP Leadership Academy was born. Our Spring Academy takes place in the mountains of Williams, Arizona, at Lost Canyon. For three days during the spring, MVP directors, board members, volunteers and Be a Leader Foundation staff run programs designed to teach academy-goers leadership skills and the importance of teamwork through sports clinics, group activities, and counselor-led quality time.

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Since its inception, over 3000 boys have attended our leadership Academy. It costs approximately $400 per attendee to provide a three-day experience that includes bus transportation, lodging, meals, snacks, programming, and entertainment. MVP Foundation is funded through a combination of board dues, donations, and grants, with the majority of our support coming from generous donors and grant partners.