4WARD

Mission: Empower the youth of Fort Wayne to realize their goals and aspirations to achieve sustainability and accountability in academic, professional, and personal pursuits. 4WARD gives back to the community through mentor groups that instill optimism, empower young men through leadership, and create a sustainable cycle of paying it forward. Jeff Roberts and Rik Ritter started the organization in February of 2017. Jeff has 16 years of educational leadership and mentoring students and Rik's business background from the Kelly School of Business at IUPUI, made the perfect combination to start 4WARD. The two started the organization with the pursuit of giving leadership opportunities, internships, and scholarships to students as part of the 4WARD program. The Goodmann Scholarship will be awarded to qualifying graduating seniors of the 4WARD mentor group. The scholars will qualify by maintaining good academic standing, and paying it forward through volunteerism. Scholars will be able to use the funds towards college, trade or vocational school, or qualifying business loans.