The legacy of terrorist victim Darren Drake continues with the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s Darren Drake Memorial Fund. Drake died in the terrorist attack in New York City on October 31, 2017. As a youngster in New Milford, New Jersey, he was passionate about knowledge and education.
“In the wake of this tragedy, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation is honored to establish a fund in Darren Drake’s memory enabling others to benefit from his devotion to education. Through his work and studies, Darren came to understand that education is the basis of a meaningful life. This belief is fundamental to the Foundation’s purpose,” said Michael Shannon, President, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation launches fund in memory of Darren Drake.
Working as a Project Manager with Moody’s Analytics, Drake was also active in his community. For example, he served as President of the New Milford Board of Education. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey and a master’s in information systems and management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. At the time of the attack, he was pursuing a second master’s degree in technology management from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Growing up, Drake developed a heartfelt interest in the trade professions, as a viable career path, from his family. He had a close relationship with his maternal grandfather, who worked as a mechanic making cardboard boxes. His father, Jimmy Drake, worked as a client services professional with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Comprehensive Employment and Training (CETA) program. This program helped disadvantaged youngsters obtain jobs through training or on the job employment. The elder Drake discussed with his son the careers available in the trade and technical professions.
Skilled Employees Needed in Trade Professions
As a member of the New Milford Board of Education, Darren Drake identified the need to meet a shortage of skilled labor in the trade and technical professions. The preparation of high school students interested in pursuing vocational careers meets this need. Career opportunities are available in the trade and technical professions.
“According to the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University (2017), 30 million good jobs in the United States with median earnings of $55,000 annually do not require a bachelor of arts degree. This includes jobs in the trade and technical industries, such as construction and manufacturing, and skilled-services industries, such as healthcare and financial services.
“With an increasing focus on equipping students with the skills that employers demand in today’s job market, career and technical education programs offer a quality pathway to industry-recognized credentials and careers for any student,” said Mindy Larson, Senior Program Associate at the Center for Workforce Development at the Institute for Educational Leadership, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. with a mission to equip leaders to prepare children and youth for college, careers and citizenship.
Scholarship Award
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation manages several donor advised funds. Through the NNJCF’s Darren Drake Memorial Fund, New Milford High School awards a scholarship annually to a graduating senior. The scholarship recipient pursues training in the trade or technical professions. “The program will fulfill Darren’s desire to provide an opportunity for students to receive a scholarship to enter the trade or technical professions. They will be able to go to any accredited school of their choosing and pursue a career,” said Jimmy Drake.
Fund Continues Darren Drake’s Legacy
The public can continue Darren Drake’s commitment to education and his legacy with a donation in his memory. Contributions are tax-deductible, as permitted by law. In remembrance of Drake, and as a lasting tribute to his lifelong love of and commitment to education, Moody’s Foundation provided the principal gift to establish the fund, which will be administered by his parents.
Donations may be made online. Also, send contributions made out to ‘The Northern N.J. Community Foundation’ with ‘Darren Drake Memorial Fund’ entered in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.
For further information about the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, contact nnjcf@nnjcf.org or call 201-568-5608.
