Foundation Academies is proud to welcome Duncan Harrison Jr. to the Board of Trustees, where he  joins other prominent educators and community leaders dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for Black and Brown children in our community. 

CEO Sheria McRae looks forward to working alongside Mr. Harrison to expand FA’s community partnerships and provide scholars new opportunities for educational success.   

“Duncan, like me, is a Trenton native; and we share a deep-rooted commitment to our community,” Mrs. McRae said. “I appreciate his zeal for advocacy and political expertise, both utilized to provide opportunity and access to the Trenton community.”

Foundation Academies is Trenton’s free, public charter school serving more than 1,000 scholars from kindergarten to 12th grade. Mr. Harrison, a former Trenton City Council member, said he is proud to join Foundation Academy’s independent governing board. 

““I am a firm believer in the power of education and academic excellence as the foundation for success,” Mr. Harrison said. “Foundation Academies provides the youth of Trenton and the Greater Trenton Area with the necessary tools to establish a solid educational foundation, paving the way for them to gain access to higher education institutions and pursue their personal aspirations.”

Mr. Harrison currently serves as Assistant Director for Regional Affairs in the Princeton University Office of Community and Regional Affairs. In this role, he strengthens the engagement between the University and community organizations to build lasting, sustainable partnerships. 

He is known locally and nationally as a strong advocate for empowering new leaders to engage in political processes. Mr. Harrison was the youngest African-American in the City of Trenton’s history to be elected as Councilman At-Large, serving on Council from 2010-2014.  

Mr. Harrison has been recognized for his service to the community by the National Congress of Black Women. He previously served as Associate Executive Director for the Father Center of New Jersey. 

A graduate of Delaware State University, Mr. Harrison also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Bernard M. Baruch College, the City University of New York. He has received certifications from Harvard University, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Harrison also has worked on urban sustainability issues as a fellow with Green For ALL. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

FA Board of Trustees President Richard Seigler-Carter, Ed.D., managing director of LeveragEd Foundation, applauded Mr. Harrison’s “exemplary track record in fostering community engagement.”

“His dedicated service in Trenton, coupled with his extensive educational background and passion for sustainable urban development, uniquely positions Duncan to contribute significantly to our mission here at Foundation Academies to both empower leaders and strengthen communities,” Dr. Seigler-Carter noted. 

Foundation Academies Board of Trustees members believe in the power of public education and volunteer their time, energy, experience and knowledge with our K-12 learning community. Mr. Harrison joins Dr. Seigler-Carter, Board Vice President Jacqueline Griffith, Secretary/Treasurer Stacy Denton, Pastor Antonio “Tone” Bellamy, Kimme Carlos, Todd Kent Ph.D. and Carl Seiden.

Photo courtesy of Foundation Academies.