The Caracal Academy mentorship program was developed by Don Roberts, the President and CEO of Caracal Products & Services Inc. Mr. Roberts developed Caracal Academy with the mission to lead, guide, and develop the business acumen of future diverse entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 25. The Academy’s Director, Charles “Chuck” Ellis is a retired Chief Deputy US Marshal and a retired USMC Colonel who creates and develops the curriculum through his leadership and professional connections.
The Academy mentors select participants of varying education levels and multiple career aspirations across the United States. The program brings together subject matter experts “SMEs” to mentor participants. SME’s come from universities, financial planning firms anda variety of career fields. According to Ellis, “The best part about Caracal Academy is the enduring relationship formed between the mentor (SME) and the academy member. The mentor is linked to the young person long after the specific session is over.”
The Academy carries out each cohort over 10-12 months with 7-10 participants in each. During its monthly sessions, the Academy covers a broad range of topics in various business and professional development categories. These topics include leadership, education, financial planning, entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, resume writing, business finance and career readiness. Each session is conducted in a small group setting that allows for participant interaction with the SME during the presentation and afterwards. Some are carried out over Zoom, while others are done in person. A highlight of the year is a fireside chat where participants get to interact with Caracal President and CEO, Don Roberts, asking him questions and discussing what the cohorts have learned throughout their time in Caracal Academy.
Recently, Caracal Academy has obtained its 501( c )3 status which gives us not-for-profit public charity status. This means that donors (individuals and/or corporations) that contribute to the Academy can deduct their contributions under IRS Section 170. The Academy is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devices, transfers, or gifts under Section 2055, 2106 or 2522.
As Caracal Products & Services continues to surge in the consumer industry, it is paramount that we also serve the communities that we supply. Caracal Academy helps to fulfill this goal. Director Ellis is very optimistic about the Academy’s future, stating “I have personally seen the benefits of Caracal Academy and hope it continues to foster and grow.”