The East Lake Foundation

The East Lake Foundation was established to revitalize the East Lake neighborhood, generate new opportunities for the families living there, and create a vibrant community where all residents thrive. Over the last two decades, the Foundation has proven that working with residents and public and private partners, while providing the right combination of comprehensive programs and services, is transformative for the community.

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  • For 24 years, the Foundation has been investing in the young people in East Lake. Please consider making a donation to help us ensure our students at Drew Charter School and The First Tee of East Lake continue to succeed. Donate Today
  • From birth through high school, East Lake children have access to high-quality learning experiences at Drew Charter School. Learn more.
  • At the center of the East Lake neighborhood are The Villages of East Lake, 542 market rate and affordable townhomes, villas and garden apartments. Learn more.
  • The First Tee of East Lake provides year-round golf and life skills instruction to more than 950 youth in the community.
  • Providing the tools to live a healthy lifestyle is an important feature in the East Lake model’s success. Learn more.

Recent News

Jun 7 2019

Drew Charter School Boys Varsity Golf Team Makes APS History

The Drew Charter School Boys varsity Golf Team recently walked away with the Georgia Class A Championship. They are the first Atlanta Public school to do so. We learn more about the historic victory from Jeff Dunovant, coach of the Drew Golf Team, and two recent Drew graduates Solomon Dobbs and Christopher McCrary.
Jun 7 2019

Local partners, donors pave way for Drew Charter School’s state golf title

A fourth-place finish at the state championships last year didn’t sit well with the boys’ golf team at Charles R. Drew Charter School. Fueled by last season’s shortcomings, the boys bounced back in impressive fashion this year, cruising to a Class A state title on May 21, becoming the first Atlanta Public Schools team to bring home a golf championship.This was a major accomplishment for Drew Charter School, rewriting the history books as the only all African-American team to win a golf title, but the feat was also the latest accolade for The First Tee of East Lake — a year-round golf instruction and mentoring program, managed through the East Lake Foundation.

Drew Alumna

Jakari Harris named George A. Christenberry Award Recipient

Hampton University Women's Golf Captain and Drew Charter School and The First Tee of East Lake Alumna, Jakari Harris has received the prestigious George A. Christenberry Award. This award is presented to 10 student athletes each year who have the highest GPA. Jakari has a 4.06 GPA in computer science. Learn more

Drew Charter School

Varsity Boys Golf Team Wins State Championship

Drew’s Varsity Boys Golf Team won the Class A Public State Championship. They are the first APS team to win a State Championship in golf and the first all African-American team to win a State Championship in golf. Learn more

Drew Charter School

Drew Charter School's Class of 2019

On May 18, 2019, Drew Charter School graduated the Class of 2019. With acceptances to more than 110 colleges and universities, the Class of 2019 earned over $12 million in college scholarships.

The 2019 Drew Graduation Ceremony is linked. The program begins at minute 50. Learn more

Party on the Green

Party on the Green raises record amount

The East Lake Foundation announced that the 2019 Party on the Green, honoring Martha and Billy Payne, raised a record $1 million for the East Lake Early Childhood Education Initiative. Learn more

A Foundation that Works

2018 Annual Report

The East Lake Foundation continues its work to transform place and build promise in the East Lake neighborhood. We made great strides in 2018, and we are grateful to all the partners, supporters and residents who make our success possible. Learn more

Drew Charter School

STEAM Certification

Drew's Junior Academy is now the first Title 1 middle school in the state to be officially certified as a STEAM School by the Georgia Department of Education. As a result of this designation and the Elementary Academy designation in 2017, Drew is now the only K-8 STEAM certified school in Georgia.

Swing for East Lake

Successful night swinging for a cause

On November 8th, the East Lake Foundation hosted the 4th Annual Swing for East Lake at Topgolf Midtown. This event was fun and exciting for golfers of all levels and raised more than $60,000 for the East Lake Foundation. Thank you to our Presenting sponsor AT&T! Also, thank you to the Gold sponsors, Publix and Ray Robinson as well as our many Bronze sponsors! Learn more

East Lake Women's Alliance

ELWA Grants $30,000 to the RISE after school program at Drew Charter School

The ELWA has chosen to grant their collective membership dues to the RISE after school program at Drew Charter School. A total of $30,000 will be directed to this important comprehensive after school program for Pre-K through 5th grade students. The program includes academic, recreational and athletic activities which are designed to supplement and enrich students’ learning during the day time. Learn more