Event Will Also Recognize the Walton Family Foundation & Celebrate Over 45 Years of Collective Impact
NAF, a national leader in career-connected education, is proud to host its Annual Benefit at the Metropolitan Club in New York City on Wednesday, May 6. The event will celebrate over 45 years of collective impact and honor Gene and Carol Ludwig for their visionary leadership and philanthropy.
The annual event, which highlights the tremendous collaboration between industry and education, will provide an opportunity for supporters to meet the outstanding students and alumni at the heart of NAF’s mission. Current and former NAF students will attend to showcase how hands-on, real-world learning has shaped their journeys to college and career success.
Gene and Carol Ludwig will be presented with the James D. Robinson III Award for Innovation for his board leadership and their generous support through the Carol and Gene Ludwig Family Foundation. By investing in innovative teams’ technologies and strategies, the couple works to enhance career readiness, broaden college access, and scale proven college completion programs. Through these efforts, they are deeply committed to helping young people reach their educational and professional goals.
Additionally, NAF will recognize the Walton Family Foundation for their recent $15M grant to accelerate NAF’s multi-year plan to double the size of its national network. Through this expansion, NAF will deepen its impact in classrooms and local economies alike – helping more young people gain the skills, experiences, and professional connections needed to succeed after high school.
“At a time when expanding opportunity for young people has never been more urgent, we are deeply grateful to Gene and Carol Ludwig and the Walton Family Foundation for their extraordinary commitment to NAF’s mission” said NAF CEO, Lisa Dughi. “Because of their leadership, thousands of students will gain the experiences, skills, and connections that unlock their futures.”
The evening will also feature a compelling panel featuring NAF students and NBA legend and fan favorite, Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams, whose global influence spans professional sports, education, technology, and community impact.
Founded in 1980 by financier and philanthropist Sanford “Sandy” I. Weill, NAF began as a single academy in Brooklyn. Today, NAF has more than 600 academies in partnership with local high school districts across 34 states and US territories.
About NAF:
NAF is a national education nonprofit that brings schools and businesses together to prepare students for college, careers, and upward mobility.
NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focusing on growing industries including finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences; and support programs of study that are aligned with the National Career Clusters Framework. Learn more at naf.org and follow us on social @NAFCareerAcads.