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Earl Martin Phalen began his career in education while a law student at Harvard, where he founded Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL). This organization operates after-school and summer education programs in several major U.S. cities. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a local community service project to a national nonprofit that educates 15,000 children per year. President Obama launched federal legislation attempting to replicate BELL's summer learning model. Earl then founded the George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA), named in honor of his parents, which helps turn failing schools into the educational institutions that children deserve. Currently, PLA serves 10,000 scholars in grades K-12, and Phalen and his team have already transformed 10 F-rated schools into A-rated schools. Earl is also the CEO of KC Scholars, one of the nation’s top college scholarship programs. Last year, KC Scholars awarded $50,000 scholarships to 775 students living in Metro KC. To date, the program has impacted 6,069 students. Due to strong coaching and student wraparound supports, 75% of the scholars are on track to graduate. This is three times the national average for first-generation and low- and moderate-income adults. KC Scholars recently launched a workforce development program called Great Jobs KC. This program aims to help 50,000 adults transition from underemployment or unemployment to jobs that pay $45,000 to $85,000 per year. Phalen earned his undergraduate degree at Yale University, and he is a proud uncle to 54 nephews and nieces. He also recently published his autobiography, titled "Giving My All," which chronicles his journey from foster care to a life of impact.
