White will lead pilot school program for Zach Johnson Foundation

Dr. Ruth White, a longtime educator and advocate for Cedar Rapids children, will lead the new Zach Johnson Foundation pilot program in two schools.

“I am convinced that all families want their kids to achieve, and I am pleased and honored to be involved with such an exciting and innovative initiative,” said White.

White brings decades of experience working with children in Cedar Rapids and has been instrumental in expanding opportunities and engaging families. White taught Language Arts at Jefferson High School. She also taught Advanced Placement Literature and was Academic Advisor for Minority Students at Washington High School.

White was most recently the executive director for The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success which serves students from the Cedar Rapids and surrounding school districts.

Dr. White will lead a pilot program at two Cedar Rapids Elementary Schools starting with the 2011-2012 school year. This is a collaborative effort among three groups: the Zach Johnson Foundation is funding the program, the United Way of East Central Iowa is contributing administrative guidance and support, and the Cedar Rapids Community School District is providing space, access, and expertise. “Having three very different organizations working toward a common goal is a testament to how vital and respected this program already is- and we haven't even announced the pilot schools yet,” said White.

2007 Masters Champion and Cedar Rapids native Zach Johnson and his wife, Kim, formed the Zach Johnson Foundation last year. “I'm delighted to have Dr. White on our team as we listen to families and educators to set these kids on course to be leaders and champions.”

The Johnsons asked the other directors on their Foundation's board to research, develop and execute a program that would make a real and sustainable difference to local children and families. “Like any successful venture, it needed just the right leader, and that's what we've found in Ruth,” said Johnson.

The premiere event for this foundation will be the Zach Johnson Foundation Classic. This Pro-Am tournament will feature fellow PGA TOUR stars, up and coming Young Guns as well as local and international celebrities. It will take place at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids on August 1, 2011.

Zach Johnson is a Drake University graduate and is a seven-time PGA TOUR winner. He and his wife Kim have two sons, Will and Wyatt. They live in Georgia and visit Cedar Rapids often.