History

The Magellan Foundation has been, and continues to be, involved in many exciting programs. The early years saw the development of the Summer Institute for school administrators and the Cornell Leadership Assembly for school leadership teams.

In 2001, as a result of a substantial grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Magellan Foundation facilitated NY TALKS (Technology, Achievement, Leadership, Knowledge, and Skills). The program provided New York's school superintendents and principals with leadership development focused on whole-systems change and technology integration.

Creating stronger, more effective high school experiences is behind the Foundation's involvement in the national Breaking Ranks high school reform project and the development of tools and resources aimed at improving high school completion.

Through these and other educational initiatives and outreach programs, the Foundation discovered that a critical component was missing from the educational curriculum - leadership skills and development for all children.

As a result, The Magellan Foundation commissioned the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Leadership in 2004. Based on the findings and conclusions of this Commission, the Foundation created The Institute for Youth Leadership, designed to promote and instill the leadership traits of character, service, and citizenship in all students.