Media/Photos

• Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology is now the Barack Obama Leadership Academy, named in honor of President Barack Obama for his leadership characteristics that inspire people across our nation and around the globe.
• A fundraising breakfast chaired by Skillman Foundation President and CEO Tonya Allen with honorary event chairs Mayor Mike Duggan, Council President Brenda Jones, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Wayne County Commission Chair Alicia Bell and Judge Greg Mathis is being held to support the purchase of Leader in Me materials, training and implementation resources.
• Barack Obama Leadership Academy will host its annual Open House and Enrollment event Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a special appearance by Judge Greg Mathis during the dedication ceremony at noon. The school is currently enrolling K-8 students.

DETROIT, Aug. 20, 2019 — Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology, a Detroit public charter school, announced the school’s name has changed to the Barack Obama Leadership Academy commencing with the 2019-2020 academic year. Additionally, the school will expand its holistic kindergarten through eighth-grade curriculum to integrate the nationally recognized Leader in Me program.

“President Barack Obama epitomizes the personal values and leadership characteristics that we endeavor to instill in each of our students,” said Bernard Parker, former Wayne County Commissioner and CEO, Magnum Educational Services, the school’s management company. “With his innate ability to inspire people across our nation and around the globe, we are pleased to name our school in honor of President Obama.”

Recognizing the importance of a solid educational foundation —including academics, critical thinking skills, self-confidence and the exploration of the arts, athletics and community service— the expanded curriculum is designed to equip students with the fundamental academics, expand their horizons and develop their leadership capability to prepare them for life-long success.

“We firmly believe every child has an inherent leadership ability that must be nurtured and developed during their formative educational years,” said Cha-Rhonda Edgerson, principal, Barack Obama Leadership Academy. “The Leader in Me curriculum integration enables us to provide our students with the academic and much-needed life skills required to excel both inside and outside the classroom now and throughout their lives.”

The school is also hosting a fundraising breakfast to support the purchase of the Leader in Me materials, ongoing training and curriculum implementation and the school’s annual open house and enrollment event. Barack Obama Leadership Academy is currently enrolling kindergarten through eighth-grade students. 

Event information is outlined below.

• Future World-Class Leaders Breakfast, a community fundraising event, will be held Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226.

The Skillman Foundation President and CEO Tonya Allen is chairing the event. Honorary event chairs include Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Wayne County Commission Chair Alicia Bell and Judge Greg Mathis. For event tickets or to donate, visit ObamaAcademy.org. 

• Barack Obama Leadership Academy Annual Open House and Enrollment event will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free public event includes food, live music, family activities and a special appearance by Judge Greg Mathis during the dedication ceremony at noon.

During the event, kindergarten through eighth-grade students may also be enrolled at the school. For more information or the enroll students, visit ObamaAcademy.org or call (313) 823-6000.

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About Barack Obama Leadership Academy

Founded in 1997, Barack Obama Leadership Academy (Obama Academy) is a K-8 public charter school located on the eastside of Detroit. Educating more than 8,000 students, Obama Academy offers a unique, holistic, student-centered academic experience with a leadership development focus, small class sizes, free tuition, breakfast and lunch, and free transportation for eligible students. As a designated 21st Century Learning Center, free after school programs are also available. For more information or to enroll a student, visit ObamaAcademy.org or call (313) 823-6000.

DETROIT, May 30, 2019 — Barack Obama Leadership Academy — formerly Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology — a Detroit public charter school, is pleased to announce an award from the Michigan Department of Education Office of Great Start/Preschool and Out-of-School Time Learning 2019-2020 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program.

Following a rigorous and highly competitive review process, Obama Academy was selected as a 21st Century After School program location to provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students residing in disadvantaged communities.

“We are extremely honored to provide much-needed after school programming for our eastside Detroit community,” said Bernard Parker, CEO, Magnum Educational Services, the school’s management company. “We remain committed to providing the educational support our students and their families need.”

For more information or the enroll students, visit ObamaAcademy.org or call (313) 823-6000.

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About Barack Obama Leadership Academy

Founded in 1997, Barack Obama Leadership Academy (Obama Academy) is a K-8 public charter school located on the eastside of Detroit. Educating more than 8,000 students, Obama Academy offers a unique, holistic, student-centered academic experience with a leadership development focus, small class sizes, free tuition, breakfast and lunch, and free transportation for eligible students. As a designated 21st Century Learning Center, free after school programs are also available. For more information or to enroll a student, visit ObamaAcademy.org or call (313) 823-6000.