The Dallas Academy Foundation (“DAF”) is a recognized 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation under the IRS code and is chartered in the state of Texas. The corporation serves as the vehicle through which the partnership of Dallas business leaders and Dallas ISD teachers and administrator get the work done of transforming high school education. DAF is funded by grants and contributions from corporations, financial institution, foundations or other entities that desire to support the work of the foundation and advance its mission of supporting the Dallas ISD high schools implementation of the National Academy Foundation (NAF) Academy model for high school redesign.
DAF’s MISSION:
The mission of the Dallas Academy Foundation, Inc. (DAF) is to build and sustain a viable network of career academies in the Dallas ISD that supports Dallas’ youth toward personal and professional success in high school, in higher education, and throughout their work careers. We carry out this mission through a partnership of the Dallas industry, corporate and business leaders working in partnership with the Dallas ISD Career Education Workforce Partnership Department of Dallas Independent School District. This partnership works to support the growth and development of themed Academy high school programs using the successful National Academy Foundation model.
DALLAS ACADEMY FOUNDATION GOVERNANCE:
The governing Advisory Council of the DAF is comprised of committed Dallas business leaders, leaders of youth orientated organizations, Dallas high school administrators, teachers and representatives of the Dallas ISD Career Education and Workforce Education Department. The Department administer the District’s relationship with the National Academy Foundation.
In its function as the Advisory Council the DAF recruits and develops human capital and financial resources. We expend these resources to support program activities in the Academy high schools where they are located. The Dallas ISD staff, in partnership with the business leaders on the Advisory Council manage the programs and resources of the corporation.
DAF is committed to supporting the development of curricula, the integration of work-based learning experiences including paid internships, and the proactive involvement of business Advisory Boards to support the work of high school educators in fulfillment of this mission. Consistent with the NAF model, DAF places overarching emphasis on connecting students with adults, and classrooms with the “real world,” thereby supporting the “new three Rs” in education: Rigor, Relevance and Relationships.