We’re thrilled to announce that Hill Harper has been named the Foundations, Inc. 2026 Champion of Children Award recipient!
Each year, Foundations, Inc., a national education organization, presents this prestigious award to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting our nation’s youth and helping them achieve brighter futures through quality education.
Hill Harper is a humanitarian, award-winning actor, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. Harper starred in ABC’s #1 television drama, The Good Doctor, as well as in numerous television and film projects including CSI: NY, He Got Game and Lackawanna Blues. Harper has served as the National Spokesperson for several leading social justice organizations including The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Innocence Project, One Fair Wage; and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Black Bank Fund and was named Honorary National Co-Chair of the Redevelopment of Black Wall Street. President Obama appointed Harper to the President’s Cancer Panel, where he contributed to shaping cancer policy recommendations to the White House.
Additionally, Harper has authored four New York Times bestsellers: “Letters to a Young Brother,” “Letters to a Young Sister,” “Letters to an Incarcerated Brother,” “The Conversation” and his award-winning book, “The Wealth Cure” that addresses ways to solve the racial wealth gap. “Letters to a Young Brother” and was named “Best Book for Young Adults” by the American Library Association. Harper has been recognized with seven NAACP Image Awards, for his writing and acting. As an extension of his empowerment books, Harper founded The Pierce and Hill Harper Foundation and established The Pierce and Hill Harper Arts Foundation.
Harper graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was named Valedictorian of his department. Harper then graduated with a J.D. (cum laude) from Harvard Law School, as well as with a Master’s Degree with honors from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He holds eleven honorary doctoral degrees including doctorates from Howard University, Providence College, and Dillard University. Harper is a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
As an investor and business owner, Harper owns The Roasting Plant, a successful coffee franchise in downtown Detroit, is co-founder of A-Frame Brands and is co-owner of the award-winning New Orleans hotel, International House. Additionally, he sits on the Board of Directors of LOVED01, John Legend’s successful skincare brand. Harper owns several commercial and residential rental properties in Detroit, Los Angeles and Newark, NJ.
Hill Harper’s unwavering commitment to individual empowerment, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and social and economic justice has made him a highly sought-after speaker on the global stage. His passion for uplifting others and creating lasting change continues to place him at the forefront of these crucial conversations.
In honor of this recognition, Foundations, Inc. will make a contribution to Harper’s chosen charity, The Pierce and Hill Harper Foundation, his Los Angeles-based organization dedicated to uplifting underserved communities through education, leadership, and opportunity—helping every young person manifest their destiny.
Past honorees include Dolly Parton, Barbara Bush, Malcolm Mitchell, and James Patterson. We are proud to welcome Hill Harper to this distinguished group.
Join us in Orlando! Harper will accept the award and deliver a powerful keynote presentation on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the 29th Annual Beyond School Hours National Education Conference—followed by an exclusive meet & greet for more than 2,000 educators, thought leaders, and advocates dedicated to preparing every student for lifelong success.
This event will be one of the highlights of a four-day agenda packed with transformative professional learning experiences, designed to empower educators and inspire lasting impact.
For more information, visit www.beyondschoolhours.org or www.foundationsinc.org.