Rooks Family Foundation R and chess pieces mark Rooks FamilyFOUNDATION
Our Programs

We Were First.

The Book Bag Buffet, the Essential Christmas Drive and the Durham Education Awards all started here, along with our International STEM Outreach Program and R.E.A.L. Leadership Program for youth.

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Signature Programs

Our Signature Programs

Three community traditions that started with Rooks Family Foundation, each built to give families dignity, give children confidence and give our community something to celebrate.

The Original · Since 20132019 Book Bag Buffet · Durham, NC

Book Bag Buffet

Every back-to-school season, kids make their way down our Book Bag Buffet line and leave with a book bag and the supplies they need to start the year strong. It's more than a giveaway. It's a full community celebration, with music, food off the grill, a bounce house, balloon art and local leaders coming out to show love.

  • Our buffets have served more than 5,000 since the original Book Bag Buffet in 2013
  • In partnership with the Greens of Pine Glen community, we helped more than 100 children in Durham get their school supplies at a single event
  • Partners like DTLR brought the DJ and donated book bags for the buffet line
The Original · Since 2014Essential Christmas Drive

Essential Christmas Drive

Many places help with toys at Christmas. We focus on what's needed most and donated least: new socks, underwear, undershirts and pajamas. No family should have to choose between food on the table and clean essentials for their kids. New essentials give children comfort, dignity and self-esteem.

  • Registered families receive a box for each child and walk our "buffet line of giving" to pick the right sizes and items
  • Gifts are wrapped on the spot, ready for Christmas morning and hidden from curious eyes
  • While parents shop, kids join our Crafting Summit, where they make gifts for loved ones and enjoy stories, milk and cookies with Mrs. Claus
The Original · Red Carpet2019 Durham Education Awards

Durham Education Awards Red Carpet Ceremony

A "Grammy-style" red-carpet awards show honoring students, teachers and schools across Durham Public Schools for their tireless work in learning, teaching and educating. It was the first event of its kind in the Southeast. We believe the children are the future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.

  • Nominations are open for elementary, middle and high school
  • We honor students, teachers, principals and administrators
  • All sponsorships are tax-deductible through Rooks Family Foundation
Going Global · Since 2021

International STEM Outreach Program

An educational initiative expanding access to computer technology, digital literacy and STEM education for underserved children in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic Serving students since 2021

Through hands-on instruction, mentorship, technology exposure and access to educational resources, the program helps young students develop practical skills that can support their education and future career opportunities.

The Foundation works directly with schools, community organizations, educators and other local partners to identify children who can benefit from the program and to provide appropriate facilities for instruction.

Program Activities

  • Basic computer literacy and keyboarding
  • Introduction to coding and programming
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics activities
  • Internet and digital safety education
  • Microsoft and Google productivity skills
  • Robotics and hands-on technology projects
  • Introduction to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
  • Career exploration in technology and STEM fields
  • Educational workshops and technology camps
  • Computers, tablets, STEM kits, school supplies and educational equipment, when resources are available

Program Goals

01

Increase Technology Access

Give children opportunities to use and understand computers and other modern technology.

02

Develop Practical Skills

Teach digital skills students can apply in school, future employment and everyday life.

03

Encourage STEM Exploration

Introduce coding, engineering, science, mathematics, robotics and emerging technologies in an engaging environment.

04

Expand Educational Opportunity

Reduce barriers for children who may otherwise have limited access to equipment, instruction or STEM programming.

05

Inspire Future Careers

Help young people see themselves as future programmers, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators.

Program Model

A typical outreach program is a multi-day technology academy or workshop serving a defined group of students.

20–30Students
3–5Days of instruction
✓Certificates on completion
  • Hands-on computer and STEM activities
  • Digital literacy and technology education
  • STEM equipment and educational materials
  • When appropriate, equipment and materials stay with the participating school or community organization so students keep learning after the program ends

Measuring Impact

We document program outcomes, including:

  • Number of students served
  • Instructional hours provided
  • Topics and skills taught
  • Computers and educational materials provided
  • Participating schools and community organizations
  • Student participation and completion
  • Photos and documentation of program activities
  • Feedback from students, educators and community partners

Our long-term goal is to create sustainable educational opportunities that give children greater exposure to technology, strengthen digital skills and help prepare the next generation for an increasingly technology-driven world.

Partner or Donate Equipment
Leadership Program

Are You R.E.A.L.?

Schools track reading, math and science, but many students graduate knowing little about credit, alternative careers or the real issues life brings. The R.E.A.L. Leadership Program fills that gap with projects and experiences that prepare young people for adulthood.

R

Responsible

Consciously making decisions and choosing behaviors that improve yourself and help others.

E

Enterprise

Ready to take on projects of importance, difficulty or untried plans.

A

Active

Engaging, or ready to engage, in a world you believe in.

L

for Life

Applying what you've developed in yourself, not just now but for the rest of your life.

Leadership Chapters

Small local groups of young people, led by trained R.E.A.L. Chapter Guides, meet regularly to work on hands-on projects and goals.

R.E.A.L. Summits

One-day events open to all families, covering life skills like public speaking, teamwork, judgment and healthy living.

Beyond the Classroom

Courses with partner programs in computers, music, entrepreneurship and the arts: subjects most schools don't offer.

What Youth Learn

Personal finance, healthy living, self-care, planning for the future, workforce skills and independent living.

Where it started: our By R.E.A.L. Kids club brought young people together for skate nights, a kids' masquerade ball, movie outings, State Fair trips, supply drives and a community walk to help the homeless.

Designed for youth ages 10–14, with mentoring for ages 15 and up. Programs are offered at little or no cost, with financial aid available. Ask about R.E.A.L. →