Mission
- To provide opportunities for under-served youth to reach their full potential through athletic, recreational, and educational programs and initiatives; and
- To provide support for single African American mothers through proven programs and initiatives.
About Charles Johnson
A native of Hawkinsville, Ga., Charles Johnson attended Hawkinsville High School, where he played defensive end in football and forward in basketball for the Red Devils. As a student-athlete in college, he pursued a career in child and family development while continuing as a defensive end for the Bulldogs at University of Georgia. In 2007, Charles signed with the Carolina Panthers in the NFL.
As a Panther, Charles ranked second in the NFL with seven forced fumbles and sixth with a career-high 12.5 sacks during the 2012 season. Under his leadership as one of the league's premier pass-rushers, his team's defensive unit ranked 10th in the NFL and ninth in sacks per pass play this past season.
Growing up as an athlete at heart and being a part of a team his entire life, Charles strongly believes that teamwork is a valuable skill all kids should learn, which will help motivate them to believe in themselves. He credits his success to his learning experiences and understanding the importance of preparation, education and dedication.
The annual Charles Johnson Foundation Sports Academy and Family Night is his opportunity to give back to Middle Georgia youth and teach them life and team-building skills, especially how to say no to negative influences they may encounter. Whether in the classroom or on the field, it is important to continually work hard in all life's endeavors.
(2007-present)
(2004-2006)
(2000-2003)
No. 95
Carolina Panthers
University of Georgia Bulldogs
Hawkinsville High School
Events
The Charles Johnson Foundation Sports Academy & Family Night: Hawkinsville, GA—June 21-22, 2013
Join Hawkinsville High School graduate and NFL defensive end Charles Johnson at his second annual two-day hometown youth sports camp and evening family event. Open to Middle Georgia kids in 1st through 12th grades. Learn from experts and have fun! Participants can have autographs with Charles and his NFL player friends. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please click here.
Click here for Registration & Info
Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities
1pm - 3pm: 1st - 6th Grades
3pm - 5pm: 7th - 12th Grades
1pm - 3pm: 1st - 6th Grades
7pm - 8:30pm: with NFL players
and camp participants
9am - 11am: 1st - 6th Grades
11am - 1:30pm: 7th - 12th Grades
9am - 11am: 1st - 6th Grades
10am - 2:30pm
5pm - 8pm
6pm - 7pm: NFL Player Autograph session
Gallery
Grantmaking
The Charles Johnson Foundation contributed nearly $90,000 to charitable causes in Hawkinsville, Georgia. Some of the Foundation's 2012 commitments include:
2012 Highlights
-$41,876 for purchase of new lockers in the Hawkinsville High School field house.
-$5,000 for football equipment refurbishing and new equipment for the Hawkinsville High School football program.
-Awarded our first two $20,000 college scholarships to two eligible Hawkinsville High School seniors, each payable in four installments of $5,000 per academic year for four years (as long as each recipient meets renewal eligibility criteria including academic performance and full time course enrollment).
-Earned NFL Youth Football Fund matching grant of $5,000 towards the Hawkinsville High School football program.
2012 Camp and Community Event Outcomes
-More than 1,000 participants attended the Charles Johnson Foundation two-day free Youth Sports Camp and Family Fun event in June 2012.
-Grades 1-12 girls and boys learned dance, cheer, football and basketball skills, as well as important life lessons on academic performance, staying in school and goal setting.
-In addition to Charles Johnson, the following NFL players volunteered their time:
Frank Kearse, Carolina Panthers
Terrell McClain, former Carolina Panthers player
Fernando Velasco, Tennessee Titans
Corvey Irvin, Jacksonville Jaguars
David Clowney, Buffalo Bills
Mohammed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns
Kade Weston, Pittsburgh Steelers
James Lee, Washington Redskins
Jasper Brinkley, Minnesota Vikings
DJ Shockley, former NFL player
- 10 area coaches volunteered
- 15 other volunteers (family, friends, community members)
Proposals: The Foundation is not accepting requests for funding at this time. The Foundation's grantmaking process is in development.
Scholarships
The 2013 application is now closed.
2013 Scholarship Information: The Charles Johnson Foundation scholarship - offered to Hawkinsville High School Seniors only - provides new and renewal scholarships at $5,000 per year for up to four years each to one male and one female student annually to attend college.
Application Postmarked Deadline: March 1, 2013
To be considered for a new scholarship, all students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be enrolled as a senior at Hawkinsville High School in Hawkinsville, GA.
- Have received a varsity letter in a minimum of two sports.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Must be planning to enroll in a four-year college or university in the fall of 2013 as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student.
- Have met a minimum cumulative grade of 83% or B- (2.75 GPA equivalent).
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Demonstrated volunteer commitment of time to support youth sports in the community.
- Completed and submitted application materials by the postmarked deadline of March 1, 2013.
Renewal scholarships are made to new scholarship recipients after the student has met specific renewal and eligibility criteria.
2012 Recipients
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Hunter Bowen-Pollock’s major is kinesiology at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA. There, she spends enjoys playing tennis, attending Emmanuel sporting events, bowling, drawing and exercising. This summer, she plans to take some more classes before she enters her sophomore year at Emmanuel. Later, Hunter would like to attend graduate school to become an occupational therapist. |
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Earl Dupree's major is exercise science at Georgia Southwestern University. Earl enjoys playing baseball and football. This summer, he will play baseball in North Georgia. Later, he would like to use his degree in health and physical education to coach high school football and baseball. Earl continues to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball. |
Press
Contact Us
The Charles Johnson Foundation
P.O. Box 432
Rosemount, MN 55068-0432