When folks think of the work of Arshay Cooper and the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund (AMBTIF), they often think of the movie, of Arshay's inspiring and motivating speeches, and seeing reports now and then of events to dedicate boats or honor benefactors. This view glosses over the boots-on-the-ground reality of the fund's efforts, and a commitment to long term support of the athletes and programs.
(If you haven't seen it, the film, A Most Beautiful Thing, is available to watch on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.)
The AMBTIF is the official arm of a true grassroots, boots-on-the-ground effort by Cooper and 19 programs around the country – including the first HBCU that AMBITIF has supported – that includes funding for sure, but also swim lessons, private school placement and guidance, college application assistance and placement, coaching education, elite development, and more.
AMBTIF kids are going to private boarding schools that have partnered with AMBTIF to identify and attract students, who are then fully supported both economically and socially by AMBTIF and their new schools. They are attending elite camps at Craftsbury, California Rowing Club, and more. They are continuing to to make college teams at some of the most prestigious universities in the country.
When Cooper and the AMBTIF connect with a young rower, they will follow and support them from the well-known intro movie screening all the way through to college and beyond, including mentoring, tutoring in high school, swim lessons, private school placement, college recruiting, tutoring again at the college level, support of coaches of color, direct financial funding of all of these elements, and more.
AMBTIF Impact By The Numbers
The numbers tell the story; Cooper and the AMBTIF have seen:
Ultimately, AMBTIF is responsible for over $3,400,000 in funding for partner programs, and Cooper meets monthly with each partner program to help with any facet of the program that needs assistance.
The Results
The results of these efforts are starting to show unmistakable results; some more numbers:
The list of AMBTIF cities and programs is growing steadily, with 19 programs now in the fold – the latest of which is Xavier University in New Orleans, the first HBCU program that AMBTIF is supporting.
Cooper and the fund are hosting an event at the HOCR on Saturday from 3-4pm at the Concept2 tent where you can meet Cooper and AMBTIF athletes and coaches, hear from guest speakers, and get involved with the effort; full details below.
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