Raising A Village Foundation was born from the belief that when students are supported, communities thrive—and success becomes a shared responsibility.
She started the college initiative Driven Student Organization on the campus of Clark Atlanta University. Driven launched in 2010 as a campus-chartered organization that is committed to providing college students with high standard scholastic achievement opportunities, community engagement, and leadership skills.
Serving an audience of 10,000+ college students, Driven made tremendous strides in the community by implementing monthly topical symposiums, the Truth or Dare AIDS and HIV Awareness Campaign, and the Driven 2 Succeed program at the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. Due to the success of Driven, in 2017, Jaleesa Hall expanded the student organization and its initiatives by founding the Raising A Village Foundation in Washington, D.C.
“We take pride in serving as a bridge between higher education institutions and K–12 schools, providing local college students the opportunity to serve as near-peer tutors, mentors, and changemakers. Raising A Village is committed to delivering high-quality academic intervention programs and family-centered educational support that help students build mastery, confidence, and long-term success in school and beyond.”
Founder/CEO
Since its incorporation, Raising A Village Foundation has made tremendous strides across the DC metropolitan area, serving over 4,000 students in Ward 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 as well as Takoma Park, Maryland. Through its Driven 2 Succeed initiative, RAVF has seen 85% of students show positive grade increases, 75% of students have perfect attendance, and 92% complete all homework and classwork assignments on time.
These statistics illustrate the program’s power to increase academic achievement, decrease disconnection and put students on the pathway to productive citizenship.
Raising A Village has also created corporate and government partnerships in the DMV area with organizations like Communities in Schools Nation’s Capital, D.C. Public Schools, CityTutor DC, Monumental Sports & the Washington Mystics, CityBridge Education, Enterprise Community Development, Fair Chance Incorporated, MENTOR Maryland | DC, The American Experience Foundation, and the Dept of Education’s Federal Work Study Program.
In 2022, RAVF was recognized as a National Partner for Student Success Champion by the United States Department of Education for its role in helping to close the learning gap caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Raising A Village Foundation exists to expand educational opportunity for students in under-resourced communities. We partner with schools, families, and local colleges to ensure students receive the academic support, guidance, and leadership development needed to thrive.
Our work is grounded in the belief that student success requires more than tutoring alone. It requires strong caregivers, confident young leaders, and consistent academic support. Our signature initiatives — Driven 2 Succeed, At the Table, and Driven Student Corps — work together to strengthen outcomes for students and families.
Raising A Village Foundation recognizes that academic success is strengthened when families are empowered and young people see themselves as leaders. Through integrated programming and data-driven partnerships, we help students build the skills, support systems, and confidence needed for lifelong achievement.
To create pathways of opportunity for the region’s most vulnerable areas, in an effort to improve community conditions and effectively help families and children reach their full potential.
To become a primary resource for developing partnerships, services, and opportunities for underserved children and families in the DC metropolitan area and the United States.
