Jeff Patnaude’s commitment to Serving Leadership led him to start a (501c.3) foundation for youth leadership development in 1995. Serving youth in San Jose and East Palo Alto, California, The Wingspan Foundation touched the lives of countless people on the West Coast. Now positioned to expand nationally,we invite your consideration of how you too may support this important work.
The Wingspan Foundation supports a multicultural, entrepreneurial network of middle school youth ready to develop their leadership skills, run a successful business and mentor 6th graders in the process.
The Eaglets Program
The goal of the Eaglets program is to provide teens with the tools they need to achieve a successful life by inspiring them to unleash their talents and achieve their full entrepreneurial and “serving leadership” ability. Under the guidance and instruction of The Eagle Team, 15 7th grade students begin to learn, one day per month, many of the lessons just learned by the Adult Eagles. Using Dyads in Year One, two Eagles, along with the sponsoring schools teacher assigned to the program, teach lessons from the Wingspan Leader’s Guide – one letter and lesson each month:
E – excellence
A- attitude
G – giving
L – learning
E – empowering
T – trust
S – spirit
In addition, students are taught:
- Public Speaking Skills
- Listening Skills
- Project management skills
- Coaching skills
- Journaling
- Esteem building
In year two, 8th grade, dyads of Eaglets, with an Eagle Mentor, must use their entrepreneurial skills to successfully create and operate a business, mentoring two 6th graders as their assistants. Upon completing the requirements of the two year program, Eaglets become EAGLES.
Continuing the journey with each Eagle is the goal of the Wingspan foundation. Monies will be raised for assisting in college tuition and regular contact is made with the students through the Eagle network E-letter and The Eagle Summer Camp, open to all graduates of the program regardless of age.