Welcome.
The J.F. Holder Foundation would like to thank you for exploring the numerous opportunities that exist through our organization to address key issues at the forefront—ranging from education and embracing diversity to creating positive social change. We believe it is essential to work together with our communities, corporate partners, schools, nonprofit organizations, and civic & business leaders to empower youth, strengthen our communities, and foster greater civic participation.
At the J.F. Holder Foundation, our mission is to engage, educate, and empower youth by creating 21st-century learning environments that transcend traditional educational boundaries, equipping them with essential skills for school, career, and life. Through our initiatives—Powered for Success, The Fairmont Project, and Creative Cinematics—we foster leadership, encourage honest conversations around race and culture, and nurture creativity through digital storytelling. preparing youth for lifelong success.
Our Programs.
The J.F. Holder Foundation delivers innovative, impactful programs designed to provide unique educational and social opportunities that offer life-changing experiences. Our initiatives inspire participants to lead more enriched, empowered lives. We are dedicated to offering high-quality youth programs and supportive services that encourage children to explore their potential, share their talents, and achieve their goals.
Powered For Success.
Powered for Success is a STEM-driven Leadership Program designed to empower disadvantaged youth by offering educational, social, and personal growth opportunities. Our program inspires young minds to explore the world of technology through STEM initiatives, while incorporating counseling and character-building strategies to foster academic, social, and career success. We aim to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed to excel in school, thrive in their communities, and succeed in the workforce.
As part of Powered for Success, we are launching a groundbreaking AI for Empowerment Initiative, designed to help youth from disadvantaged communities build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the age of artificial intelligence.
Creative Cinematics.
Creative Cinematics is a cutting-edge youth program that blends the powerful worlds of filmmaking, and technology to help young creators bring their stories to life. Designed to inspire, educate, and empower, the program equips participants with real-world tools and mentorship to explore the intersection of film and tech—turning passion into purpose and creativity into career-ready skills.
Participants will delve into the art of Digital Storytelling, Filmmaking, and Video Production, experiencing the entire production process in a world-class studio. They will engage in immersive, hands-on workshops, work with state-of-the-art production and editing equipment, and learn from esteemed industry professionals, gaining real-world insights and guidance.
Video Gaming Convention.
Hero-Con is an independent gaming convention. Our mission is to elevate, recognize, and educate video game entrepreneurs. We celebrate the lifetime achievements of industry veterans, highlight breakout successes, and amplify the many unheard voices and unsung heroes within the gaming community.
Hero-CON is an incredible two-day Independent gaming convention that includes: • Community Connections • Workshops/Panels • Immersive Interactive Tech • Keynote Speakers • Celebrity Meet and Greets • Investor Networking • Video Game Tournaments
3-Day Film Empowerment Camp.
The J.F. Holder Foundation was incredibly proud to partner with CineCity Studios, The Grind Collective, Black Kids Predict at Northwestern University, Red Oracle Films, and Chicago Public Schools to host an unforgettable 3-day Film Empowerment Camp for 150 amazing youth!
From Storytelling and Acting to Writing, Content Creation, and Production, these young creatives dove into the world of filmmaking and self-expression.
This immersive experience fused technology, arts, data science, entrepreneurship, and cultural identity—empowering students to explore new tools for education, expression, and liberation.
We’re proud to invest in the next generation of storytellers.
Book Donation.
The J.F. Holder Foundation in partnership with the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission and Discover Books were honored to donate over 2,000+ books to Fairmont Grade School District 89 (in Lockport Illinois) for their library and literacy programs.
News & Events.
Business & Cultural Initiatives in India & the United States
March 9, 2018Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Union League Boys & Girls of Chicago @ Nicholson Stem Academy.
November 30, 2017Fairmont Community Garden Club
October 28, 2017City of Los Angeles Partnership
November 15, 2016Community Garden Club .
Global Ambassadors.
Our Global Ambassadors program is a high tech virtual classroom and virtual field trip project where we inspire the youth through global collaboration. We collaborate with other virtual classrooms and youth organizations from around the world to expose students to different world cultures, allowing them to exchange stories about their cultures, build international relationships and become global citizens.
Our goal is to foster global awareness and cross-cultural understanding, and to empower the youth to believe that they matter, that learning matters, that they can make their communities and the world better.
Donate Today
Thank you for supporting the J.F. Holder Foundation, we are committed to provide unique educational & social opportunities and life-changing experiences for at-risk youth. Your donations are welcome and greatly appreciated, whether it is a one-time gift or a monthly contribution.
Donate Here!