The Pacific Club Impact Foundation in Newport Beach announced two new initiatives geared for elementary and high school students, outlining the programs during a luncheon for National Football League Hall of Famer and onetime USC star Ronnie Lott’s annual award program.
The PCIF IMPACT Leadership Academy will provide local middle school students resources to become the future community leaders.
The program will aim to enroll OC executives to mentor and guide students in quarterly workshops and other programs.
The Legacy Leadership Project is a Pro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador program approved by the NFL and National Collegiate Athletic Association. It will link Hall of Famers with Orange County high school student-athletes for a year of mentorship during their senior seasons, and include a weeklong trip to Canton, Ohio, during Hall of Fame Induction festivities.
The announcements came during the 11th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List Luncheon at the Pacific Club, where a crowd of more than 100 heard about local philanthropic efforts and watched a short film about the 42 candidates for the award.
The trophy recognizes a top college football defensive player who also exemplifies character, leadership and academic achievement.
UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr, who was drafted 9th by the Minnesota Vikings last week, won the award in 2013, joining prior winners Manti Te’o, JJ Watt, and Luke Kuechly.
