Page 21 - 2021 Men of Excellence Awards

The Keeper of the Torch Award

The goal of Suits For Seniors is to build the next generation
of leaders who live with purpose, self-confidence, and a
mindset to help change the world. Most importantly, the
organization, “suits up leaders for lifelong success”.

Founded in 2015 by Jervonte Edmonds, Suits for Seniors is
creating a powerful shift in how students from low income
communities see themselves and their potential. Through its
8-week college readiness, career exploration, and mentoring
program, called “Senior Success”, Suits For Seniors levels the
playing field with experiences that will guide its students to

post-secondary education and long-term career excellence.

The curriculum is designed to provide leadership training,
financial literacy, and college and career readiness skills.
Each week, the program addresses a different topic taught
by volunteer senior level executives, educators, financial
literacy experts, health and wellness professionals, and civic
Jervonte Edmonds leaders. As evidence of successfully completing the
program, each young man and woman is awarded a

Suits for Seniors personally tailored suit and each young woman, a strand of
pearls.

Since its founding, almost 6 years ago, more than 1200 students have graduated and 98% have entered a
two or four-year college or university. The remaining 2% have chosen technical training programs or
military service.

Suits for Seniors has received extensive media coverage, which has increased the organization’s visibility
among local and national donors, including comedian and TV personality, Steve Harvey. Moreover, Suits
for Seniors has been recognized for its impact as the 2020-2021 Nonprofit of the Year by NonProfits First,
a not-for-profit quality certification organization.

Under Jervonte’s leadership, the organization serves approximately 100 high school seniors each year, at
5 different area high schools. Suits For Seniors’ long term goal is to serve all Title I high schools
throughout Palm Beach County and eventually spread out into other areas around the state. While
continuing to prepare youth for higher education, the organization is currently raising money for its
scholarship fund, which has been established to pay tuition for its graduating seniors.

MEN OF EXCELLENCE