Earl W. Stafford facts for kids

Earl W. Stafford, Sr. (born May 14, 1948) is an American businessman and a person who gives a lot to charity. He started The Stafford Foundation, which helps people in need. In 2010, he was recognized by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans for his achievements.

Earl Stafford also founded and used to be the CEO of Unitech. This company made technology for training and simulations. Today, he is the founder and CEO of The Wentworth Group, LLC. This company helps other businesses with money and advice from its office in Reston, Virginia.

He is also well-known for "The People's Inaugural Project." This special event brought over 400 people who faced challenges to Washington D.C.. They enjoyed a three-day celebration during President Barack Obama's inauguration. In 2015, President Obama asked him to join the board of trustees for the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Early Life and Learning

Earl Stafford grew up in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey. He was the ninth of 12 children. His parents were Mabel and Robert E. Stafford. His father worked full-time at the Campbell Soup Company for over 40 years. He was also a part-time assistant minister at a church his family helped start.

Earl Stafford began his journey as a businessman when he was just eight years old. He sold hot dogs and mowed lawns to earn money.

He earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Later, he received an MBA from Southern Illinois University. He also completed a special program for business leaders at Harvard Business School.

His Career Journey

Before working in big companies, Earl Stafford served in the U.S. military for 20 years. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967. He retired as a Captain in 1987. From 1982 to 1985, he helped the Air Force work with the Federal Aviation Administration. His job was to make sure that U.S. Department of Defense plans fit into the FAA's efforts to update the National Airspace System. One of his important jobs was leading the 2004th Communications Squadron in Greenland from 1985 to 1986.

After leaving the Air Force in 1987, Stafford started his own company. In 1988, he founded Universal Systems & Technology, Inc. (UNITECH). This company created training and simulation technology. It provided training for the military, healthcare, and financial industries. He was the chairman and CEO of UNITECH. He sold the company to Lockheed Martin in 2009.

In 2008, Stafford started The Wentworth Group, LLC. This company helps small businesses with money and advice. It is based in Reston, Virginia, and he is its CEO.

Today, Earl Stafford serves on several important boards. These include the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He also helps the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Apollo Theater Foundation.

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

Earl Stafford has given a lot to help people who are less fortunate. He believes in investing in their future.

The Stafford Foundation

In 2002, he started The Stafford Foundation (TSF), Inc. This is a non-profit organization based in Reston, Virginia. It is based on faith and aims to help others.

Since it began, the foundation has given more than $4 million to different groups and individuals.

The People's Inaugural Project

In March 2008, Earl Stafford had an idea. He wanted to bring people from all walks of life to Washington, D.C. They would be part of the 2009 presidential inauguration. This idea became "The People's Inaugural Project." In January 2009, this project brought over 400 people facing challenges to President Obama's inauguration.

More than 2,000 people attended the events in total. This included groups that help people in need. There were wounded veterans, homeless individuals, and adults with severe disabilities. The 300 guests who faced challenges stayed at the JW Marriott. They took part in many events over three days. These included a large Prayer Breakfast and a Martin Luther King Luncheon. Martin Luther King III gave a speech at the luncheon. Guests also watched the inaugural parade from the JW Marriott's 12th-floor terrace. The event ended with a main inaugural ball. The Stafford Foundation continues to work with these groups to help those in need.

Helping Others: The "Doing Good" Campaign

After the People's Inaugural Project, The Stafford Foundation kept helping people. They continued to reach out to those who needed support. The People's Project includes giving grants to non-profit groups that match TSF's goals. Since 2009, TSF has given over $1 million in grants to 30 organizations.

In 2010, The People's Project started a national effort called "Doing Good." This campaign encourages people to help others in need. It is based on the idea of helping people become self-reliant. Then, they will be inspired to help others too. The campaign focuses on job training, health, and other support. It aims to help people become independent and live with dignity. This includes supporting shelters for women that offer job training. It also helps low-income families eat healthy foods.

TSF knows that many people want to do good but don't know how. The People's Project helps people learn how to help themselves. The goal is that one day, they can help someone else in need.

Awards and Honors

In 2009, the state of Tennessee honored Earl Stafford and The Stafford Foundation. They received a joint resolution for the People's Inaugural Project. The resolution praised their commitment to including everyone in American life.

The N'Digo Foundation gave Stafford a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. This was for his work and positive impact in his community and across the country.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals in Washington, D.C., honored Stafford in 2009. He received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award. He was recognized for his important contributions to his community and the nation.

Stafford received the 2010 Horatio Alger Award from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. This award recognized his success despite a difficult start in life. He was officially welcomed into the association.

In 2010, the Salvation Army of Greater New York gave Stafford its first "Stand Together" Award.

Personal Life

Earl Stafford is married to Amanda Boardley. They live in McLean, Virginia, and have three children.