The Prodigy Project is a grassroots community-based program working to secure successful futures for young black men by placing compassionate, literate adult African American men with young black boys, books in hand, supported by the entire community. Through the efforts of African-American male volunteer readers and others, the program strives to counter negative stereotypes, improve literacy, enhance achievement and employment, reducing the black male presence in the penal system.


The Seaborn Lee boys, Principal Dr. Emily Massey, sponsor teachers, and The Prodigy Project mentors.

KICK OFF OF ANOTHER PHASE!! THE PRODIGY PROJECT and SEABORN LEE ELEMENTARY have great success as they kick off the boy’s first BUSINESS OUTREACH PROGRAM VISIT!! December 6, 2007!

The Prodigy Project and Seaborn Lee moved into the next phase of their partnership: the Business Outreach Program. Accompanied by The Prodigy Project staff and volunteers, and Seaborn Lee Principal Dr. Emily Massey and her staff and sponsor teachers, the 40 boys traveled to Alpharetta on December 6 for a field trip to Nirvana Café (www.eatnirvana.com) to participate in the C-E-O of Y-O-U organization’s “Be The Boss” program. The hands-on learning experience introduced the students to the ideas of ownership and management of a business - in particular, the business aspects and operations of a restaurant. The boys toured the facility, learned the importance of healthy nutrition, and created and cooked pizzas and made ice cream.

The visit to Nirvana Cafe was the first in a series of field trips scheduled for the 2007-2008 school year. The idea is to introduce the boys to the corporate and business environment and to expose them to technology concepts.

This new phase is another huge step in preparing our boys for success. We’re currently accepting offers from organizations interested in participating in our program. Please contact Michael Johnson at 678.584.1059 for additional details on the Business Outreach Program.

SECOND FIELD TRIP WAS HUGE SUCCESS IN JANUARY!! THE PRODIGY PROJECT and SEABORN LEE ELEMENTARY visited MCKESSON FOR BUSINESS OUTREACH PROGRAM VISIT!! January 10, 2008!

The Prodigy Project and Seaborn Lee completed their second field trip under the Business Outreach Program. Accompanied by Seaborn Lee Principal Dr. Emily Massey and her staff and sponsor teachers, the 40 boys were bussedto Fortune 18 Company McKesson Corporation’s Provider Technology offices (www.mckesson.com).

On January 10, the boys made the commute from South Atlanta to Alpharetta to participate in a half day of technology presentations, robot demonstrations, facility tours, lunch, and interaction with professionals from a variety of technology fields.

We’re currently accepting offers from organizations interested in participating in our program. Please contact Michael Johnson at 678.584.1059 for information on the Business Outreach Program.

THE PRODIGY PROJECT kicked off two new programs in October: COLLEGE PARK HOUSING AUTHORITY and SEABORN LEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!! - October 2007!

Both programs continue to be huge successes. Supported by professional men and women from the Atlanta community, the two sessions are undoubtedly some of the better sessions ever conducted by The Prodigy Project. Both programs take place every week.

Beginning in January, the team of 41 students of the Morehouse College Dr. John H. Hopps Jr. Defense Research Scholars Program will begin monthly sessions supporting the College Park and Seaborn programs. We’re extremely excited about the opportunity to now have 3 generations of males involved in this next phase of strengthening our community.

Boys from The Prodigy Project program held in College Park.

THE PRODIGY PROJECT partners with Atlanta’s historic EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH and participates in annual Pre-Men’s Day Prayer Breakfast!! - September 29, 2007!

The men of Ebenezer are now supporting two of The Prodigy Project’s south Atlanta programs. The title and theme of this year’s Brotherhood initiative was “Project Stand Up.” The project is a call to men to step up and take an active role in addressing the challenges faced by today's boys. The Ebenezer Brotherhood is committed to supporting The Prodigy Project and 2 other boy’s organizations. Members signed up during the annual Pre-Men’s Day Prayer Breakfast held on September 29, at Morris Brown College. It was a great breakfast and time for the men to discuss future initiatives targeted at addressing the crisis associated with young boys and men.

THE PRODIGY PROJECT participates in MOREHOUSE COLLEGE’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE FAIR!! - September 5, 2007!

The event, themed “Renaissance Men That Serve,” was a great opportunity for The Prodigy Project staff to meet the Morehouse students and faculty and discuss the mission of The Prodigy Project and how the two organizations can work together to address the needs of Atlanta’s boys. The two organizations agreed to partner, and over 30 Morehouse students signed up to volunteer as mentors and readers with The Prodigy Project. Beginning in late September, The Prodigy Project will conduct weekly orientations on the Morehouse campus.

Future endeavors will include a dorm hall sponsorship for one of the elementary school programs and a departmental sponsorship for a one of the community center programs.

We want to thank Morehouse College for the opportunity for The Prodigy Project to partner with one of our nation's most prestigious HBCUs. The mission of both organizations is to develop men with high intellect and character, and to also teach the history and culture of black people. We look forward to a long productive partnership.

THE PRODIGY PROJECT with the support of INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS INTERNATIONAL COMPANY (IDI) PROVIDES BOOK BAGS AND SUPPLIES!! - August 3, 2007!

In support of the partnership with the Zion Hill Community Development Corporation, and in preparation for the school year, The Prodigy Project provided book bags filled with school supplies to the community center's boys and girls.

We want to thank IDI for their sponsorship of the Book Bag Drive. IDI and their employees provided all of the materials. A special thank you goes out to IDI?s Human Resource Director Debbi Kvietkus, the IDI Esprit Team, and Kerri Faber for all of their support with the sponsorship effort.

THE PRODIGY PROJECT and BARNES & NOBLE TEAMED UP FOR A BOOK FAIR!! - July 13 - 20, 2007!

The bookfair and volunteer drive was be held at Barnes & Noble Booksellers located at 2205 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, GA

A portion of the sales benefited The Prodigy Project in the purchase of books and crafts for the children. Donations of new books for boys ages 5-9 were also be accepted.

THE PRODIGY PROJECT and the MAGIC JOHNSON STARBUCKS partner for FAMILY AND FRIENDS NIGHT! - THE KIDS WERE GREAT!

The event was held on Saturday, June 30, 2007 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Magic Johnson Starbucks, located at 3660 Cascade Rd SW Atlanta, GA 30331 and featured children from the joint effort of the Zion Hill Community Center and The Prodigy Project. The children recited poems written by them specifically for the event, and they also recited a number of published works. Family and Friends were invited to come out to sample free products such as pastries, coffees, and teas, and patrons had an opportunity to meet the staff of The Prodigy Project. It was a good time for all.

Similar events will take place every 4th Saturday. The events are opened to the public - both adults and children are encouraged to recite individual and published poetry works. Parents are invited to participate, and they're encouraged to bring their children to read.

For additional information, please contact Starbucks at (404) 699-1093, or The Prodigy Project at (678) 584-1059.

MARTINIS FOR A CAUSE!! - A HUGE SUCCESS!

The event, held on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at The Tasting Room was a huge success. Guests enjoyed an evening of networking, relaxation, and great company. They also had an opportunity to meet the staff of The Prodigy Project and learn more about our mission.

We want to thank everyone that came out to support The Prodigy Project. We especially thank those individuals that decided to take that all important step of signing up to volunteer with us. Also, a big thank you to those attendees who out of the kindness of their hearts provided monetary donations. We sincerely appreciate your generosity. The Prodigy Project staff, and our wonderful volunteer staff, all look forward to working with you as we make a positive difference in our community. THANK YOU!

Similar events are in the planning stages. Please continue to revisit The Prodigy Project website for information on upcoming events.

The Tasting Room, an upscale wine bar/restaurant is located in the Camp Creek Market Place, 3650 Camp Creek Pkwy., East Point, GA. 30344, (404) 346-0697.

THE PRODIGY PROJECT led Reading Circles for CHILDREN'S SPRING FLING hosted by STATE FARM INSURANCE! A WONDERFUL TIME!

The Prodigy Project led "reading circles" for the "Children's Spring Fling" hosted by State Farm Insurance on Saturday March 31, 2007. The children, staff, and volunteers had a great time reading and playing word games. Photos and details of the event forthcoming.