The NAF (formerly National Academy Foundation) in New York City has announced a $15 million pledge from Giving Pledge signatory Robert F. Smith, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. 

Smith’s gift will support NAF academies within existing public and private high school systems through the implementation of rigorous, career-focused curriculum and project-based learning; advisory boards to bridge between school and the workplace; and work-based learning opportunities. The pledge will also support the expansion of new programming to students of color in under-invested areas of the southeastern United States identified by the Southern Communities Initiative, including the greater metropolitan areas of Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta; New Orleans; Charlotte, North Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee; Houston; and Jackson, Gulfport, and Southaven, Mississippi. 

In addition, NAF announced the appointment of Smith to its board of directors as a vice chair.

“I am honored to join NAF’s board of directors as a vice chairman and to continue to support the organization’s vital mission preparing high school students to meet the workforce challenges of tomorrow,” said Smith. “Through its STEM-based and career-oriented curriculum, NAF empowers its students to own their futures, chart new paths towards improved educational and career outcomes, and generate greater wealth to support and uplift their families and communities.” 

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