Navient Foundation makes $7,500 donation to Duffy’s Hope

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Navient Foundation, the company-sponsored philanthropic fund, announced a $7,500 grant to support Duffy’s Hope annual cross-country college tour.

The Wilmington nonprofit encourages Delaware’s at-risk youth to learn outside of the classroom.

“Thanks to Navient’s support, we’ve made a difference in the lives of several students from the city of Wilmington and surrounding areas,” said Allen “Duffy” Samuels, founder and CEO  of the nonprofit Duffy’s Hope. “Students will have the opportunity to see colleges and universities in other states. For many of them, this is the first time they’ve left Delaware.”

Born and raised in Wilmington, Samuels graduated from Glasgow High School and attended a junior college in Maryland.

Two years later, Samuels continued his higher education with the help of a basketball scholarship. Using his abilities as a  basketball player, Samuels joined a professional team in Europe. After touring for six years, he came back to his roots and made a commitment to help Delaware.

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“The Duffy’s Hope college tour offers a fun and engaging way for students to explore their options,” said Patricia Nash Christel, vice president, Navient. “We’re proud to support these young people, many of whom will be the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education, on their journey to succeed in college and a future career.”

The annual tour had its beginnings in the spring of 2013. This year, 15 students will participate in the college tour including 13 from Wilmington. The tour will begin on April 2 through April 6. Students will also visit universities in Delaware at the end of April.

Supporting adolescents ages 12-17, Duffy’s Hope uses a holistic approach to determine and rectify root causes in the lives of at-risk youth, a release stated.

 Key issues are addressed using a 10-step program, including mentoring parent and family involvement, experiential learning, financial literacy and etiquette training.

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