The Foundation

The California Student Achievement Foundation (C-SAF) was begun in 2015 by Dr. George J. McKenna III. The Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to empower underserved children to achieve lifelong success. Dr. McKenna intent is for C-SAF to provide leadership and scholarships to public high school graduating seniors desiring to achieve higher educational degrees. C-SAF is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, and accepts donations from individuals and organizations who desire to contribute to the educational opportunities of underserved students within the Los Angeles area. To maximize our impact, we collaborate with other non-profit and community organizations that align with our mission, vision and goals. 

George J. McKenna, III is currently serving as a member of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education for Board District 1, a position he has held since 2014.

Dr. George McKenna, III was born in New Orleans into a family that was steeped deeply in the culture and history of the city. At the age of twenty, he received a B.A. in mathematics from Xavier University and was awarded a teaching fellowship to Loyola University, where he earned an M.A. in mathematics. He also holds a Doctor of Education degree from Xavier University.

In 1962, Dr. McKenna accepted a teaching position in the Los Angeles Unified School District. While continuing his education at Loyola University Law School, the University of California, Los Angeles and California State University at Los Angeles, Dr. McKenna remained a teacher, working at both the secondary and college levels.

Dr. McKenna became principal of George Washington Preparatory High School in 1979. At the time, this high school was one of the most notorious and violent in Los Angeles, replete with gangs, drug dealing and gun fights. 

Dr. McKenna and his reform tactics turned George Washington Preparatory High School around, transforming it from a failing institution to one where nearly eighty percent of its graduates went on to college.

Dr. McKenna’s programs have been modeled throughout the nation. He has served as a consultant to numerous school districts and law enforcement agencies. He is also the author of several articles that have appeared in local and national newspapers and educational journals. McKenna has received more than 400 citations and awards from civic, legislative and professional organizations. His work led to his being the subject of the award-winning CBS movie, The George McKenna Story, starring Denzel Washington.