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ABOUT US
Our Mission:
E2L's mission is to develop and empower urban students to achieve their full potential and become thriving leaders who positively impact our communities.
History and need served
Founded in 1995, Essential2Life (E2L) has been committed to equipping metro Atlanta youth with the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in life and leadership.
Today’s generation faces unprecedented challenges—from social pressures and economic instability to limited access to quality educational and career pathways. Many young people, particularly those in under-resourced communities, lack opportunities to develop essential leadership and life skills that prepare them for success beyond high school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students from low-income households are still significantly more likely to leave school early, limiting their future options and long-term stability. These realities underscore the urgent need for programs that empower youth to lead themselves and others with purpose.
At E2L, we don’t see these challenges as barriers—we see them as opportunities. Through intentional mentorship, leadership development, and real-world learning experiences, we help young people discover their potential, amplify their voices, and chart a path toward purposeful, impactful lives.
E2L Staff
Darrick Graham, Executive Director
Patrice Holt, Program Coordinator
Rigoberto Rivera, Class of 2025 Team Lead
Sainabou Njie, Class of 2024 Team Lead
Dreleon Jones, “15 Program” Intern-Supported by GSU Work Study Program, Class of 2020 “15 Program Graduate
Board of Directors
John Dilworth (2021) Chairman of the Board/President
Founder and CEO
The Dilworth Group
Atlanta, Georgia
Brett Duke (2019) Immediate Past President
Chief Operating Officer
Atlanta Pacific Companies
Duluth, Georgia
Gladys Wanyeki (2023)
Principal, Founder and Fractional CFO
CFO ANX
Atlanta, Georgia
Michael Landtroop (2023)
Vice President, Partners & Alliances
One Inc (retired)
Marietta, Georgia
Darrick Graham (2016)
Former Assistant Vice President
Operation Hope
Current Executive Director Essential2Life
Lawrenceville, Georgia
A letter from our Executive Director
As I reflect on the remarkable work Vince and Allison have accomplished in shaping the lives of countless young people across our community, I am both honored and inspired to be part of E2L 2.0.
At E2L, we believe the strength of our city lies in the potential of its youth. Preparing them to meet future challenges requires more than vision—it requires commitment, collaboration, and leadership. Unfortunately, many young people continue to face barriers that limit their access to the resources and support they need to thrive. We see this not as a setback, but as a call to action.
Together, we are committed to restoring hope, building opportunity, and developing the next generation of leaders. I invite you to join our dedicated E2L team in this important work—empowering youth to rise above challenges and achieve lasting success.
We look forward to a future where every young person is equipped with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to create a better tomorrow for themselves and for our community.
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Because they matter!
Darrick Graham
Essential2life Executive Director
Vince Hungate (1995)
Founder
Essential2Life
Atlanta, Georgia
Mark VanderBroek (2010)
Partner
Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough LLP
Smyrna, Georgia
Lenard Cave’(2024)
Atlanta, Georgia
Yolonda A. Swain (2025)
Owner and CEO Creative Flair
Atlanta, Georgia
The FIFTEEN Program
FIFTEEN is a 2.5 year program which meets every other Saturday on a college campus during the school year. FIFTEEN’s interactive curriculum is designed around the core values of character, commitment, life-long learning, and servant leadership. It covers the following topics, among others:
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Life Skills (visioning, character, personal self-discipline and responsibility, priority management)
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Leadership Skills (collaboration, managing conflict, seeking to understand, personal branding)
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Personal Finance (budgeting, bank accounts, debt, savings, etc.)
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Post-secondary school education planning (college vs. trade school, college selection, application process, SAT/ACT prep, cost of attendance, financial support)
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Career Planning (career choices, career aptitude testing, education requirements, interviewing skills, etc.)
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Role models (guest speakers, mentors, facilitators in the class room)
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Service (community service opportunities, empowering to make a difference)
E2L’s impressive results: participating students not only succeed in and graduate from high school (at a 100% rate), but also go on to college (89%) or the military (6%).
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