04/28/2025
Dear Legendary Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share a significant and unexpected change impacting our Legends AmeriCorps Program. On Friday, March 25, 2025, The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a temporary Federal Government unit, was established by an executive order from President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. This department was created to overhaul and modernize federal government operations, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and cut costs, abruptly terminated programmatic grants nationwide, including our AmeriCorps State and National programs, where our 23 Legends Fellows — who have poured their passion, time, and heart into serving our Legendary community — are now facing an uncertain future. DOGE cited that our award "no longer effectuates agency priorities" and that we "must immediately cease all award activities...this is a final agency action and is not administratively appealable."
The young people we serve as Legends Scholars and Legends Fellows will always be my top priority.
Although we will no longer administer the AmeriCorps program, we remain committed to our mission. We are committed to continuing the Legends Fellows Program and supporting our current members through independent funding sources for the remainder of this school year and beyond.
Our Fellows are vital to the success of Legends Charter School. We are deeply proud of everything we have built together and are incredibly grateful for the love, support, and encouragement you have shown throughout this school year. Although this loss is difficult, it also reminds us of the unbreakable spirit that service nurtures within us. Service makes us strong. And now, more than ever, we must stand together to uphold the values and mission that define Legends.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve."
Here's How You Can Help Us: We must raise $1.2 Million For the Future of our Legends Fellows so they can continue their vital work. Your gift will help us bridge this unexpected funding gap, allowing our Fellows to complete their service journey with dignity and purpose.
➡️ Donate today to sustain the Legends Fellows program: https://equitynowinc.networkforgood.com/projects/97787-main-giving-page
Regardless of size, every contribution directly supports our Fellows and the communities they serve. In addition to financial support, we invite you to volunteer, spread the word, and rally others who share our belief in the power of education, service, and community.
Together, through truth and service, we will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger than ever.
Thank you for standing with us.
With gratitude and determination,
Atasha M. James
Co-founder & CEO of Legends Charter School
I attended a Legends event early this year and was impressed with its mission and dedication to improving financial literacy among AA youth.
