Cheryl Larkin's Contact Details

Cheryl Larkin's Company Details

Chuck Cooper Foundation

Pittsburgh, PA, US • 5 - 9 Employees
Non-Profit

The Chuck Cooper Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2011 whose mission is to continue the legacy of Charles "Chuck" Cooper, the first African-American drafted into the National Basketball Association, by awarding graduate-level scholarships and by providing comprehensive leadership development, professional skills, and opportunities to underserved students. Cooper is the Duquesne University All-American who became the first African-American ever drafted into the NBA when he was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round in 1950. Chuck cared deeply for our community and was one of the first of many legendary athletes to proudly call Pittsburgh home and give back by dedicating his life to community development. His son, Chuck Cooper III, is the president and founder of the Chuck Cooper Foundation. The Foundation accomplishes its mission in a number of ways. Since 2013, the Chuck Cooper Foundation has granted $64,000 in graduate-level scholarships. In addition, we have distributed nearly $3,000 in book stipends to the students we serve since the fall of 2014. Since 2014, we have also implemented the Chuck Cooper Leadership Development Program (CCLDP). The CCLDP engages graduate and undergraduate African-American students with mentors, a series of personal and professional development seminars, and community service projects with area organizations. Each year at our Awards Luncheon, the Foundation presents the Chuck Cooper Leadership, Diversity, and Community Service Award to a company or individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and motivational skills as well as a commitment to promoting diversity and making a positive difference in the community. The recipients have been: 2011: Bill Nunn Jr. , Pittsburgh Steelers 2012: Bill Strickland, Manchester Craftsmen's Guild 2013: Mike & Kia Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers 2014: Pittsburgh Pirates 2015: Swin Cash, WNBA star & Olympic gold medalist