Character-Based Leadership Education
About the John R. Wooden Award Foundation
Mission Statement
Empower young people with tools and essential life skills which focus on character development, leadership, and instilling confidence to handle peer and academic pressure, manage time, and embrace college and career opportunities. Foster lifelong resilience and success.
Why We Do What We Do
Sue Enquist, an 11-time national champion in UCLA softball, and Valorie Kondos Field, who coached UCLA gymnastics to seven NCAA national championships, are two of the most accomplished coaches in collegiate sports. Both were close friends and direct mentees of Coach Wooden and now teach his principles through UCLA’s Transformative Coaching and Leadership program.
During his lifetime, Coach Wooden personally signed, addressed, stamped, and mailed more than 75,000 copies of his Pyramid of Success. In this video, Sue recalls a visit with Coach Wooden and Valorie during which he told them, “I wish that the Pyramid could be given away for free to everybody.” We will help fulfill that wish by providing the Pyramid and practical instruction in how to use it to students, teachers, coaches, and community leaders, with an emphasis on serving young people.
IRS Non-Profit Status
The John R. Wooden Award Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recognized as a public charity under Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). Its work is guided by a dedicated board of directors committed to advancing John R. Wooden’s legacy and the timeless principles embodied in his Pyramid of Success to empower young people to lead successful lives. (EIN: 99-2351071)
Our Plan
The John R. Wooden Award Foundation believes that cooperation and team spirit with sponsors, donors, schools, and non-profit organizations will make our Character-Based Leadership Education Program successful.
- Corporate sponsors, individual donors, charitable giving, and grants provide financial support.
- The John R. Wooden Award Foundation can focus on teaching the Character-Based Leadership Education Program.
- Schools and non-profit organizations receive FREE materials and training.
- Young people are empowered to lead successful lives while positively impacting others.
Character-Based Leadership Education Program
The John R. Wooden Award Foundation believes that cooperation and team spirit with sponsors, donors, schools, and non-profit organizations will make our Character-Based Leadership Education Program successful.