The inception of the Croom Foundation in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in the life of Executive Director, Kevin Croom, whose unwavering commitment to empowering young men from disadvantaged backgrounds catalyzed a movement that transcends geographical boundaries. Recognizing the urgent need to provide guidance and support to at-risk youth in his community, Kevin embarked on a journey of mentorship, initially engaging with four young men labeled as problematic by societal standards.
Despite facing skepticism and criticism, Kevin remained resolute in his belief that every individual possesses untapped potential, awaiting the right environment to flourish. Through tireless dedication and a steadfast commitment to their growth, Kevin guided these young men towards a path of success, steering them away from the perils of incarceration and premature demise. The transformative impact of Kevin’s mentorship soon reverberated throughout the community, inspiring others to seek his guidance and support. Thus, the seeds of the Croom Foundation were sown, driven by a collective determination to break the cycle of generational poverty and provide equitable opportunities to underprivileged youth.
What began as a mission to uplift young men has since expanded to include young women, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality. With a steadfast belief in the power of education and mentorship, the Croom Foundation endeavors to reshape environments and empower individuals to rewrite their narratives. Guided by the motto, “You are a product of your environment until your environment changes,” the foundation remains steadfast in its pursuit to leverage resources to dismantle barriers and foster pathways to success for future generations.
Through strategic partnerships, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives, the Croom Foundation continues to catalyze positive change, laying the groundwork for a future where all youth, regardless of background or circumstance, can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Officer Croom’s dedication to serving his community led him to become APOST and MPOST certified, serving as a patrol officer with distinction in various municipalities. Despite the demanding nature of his profession, Officer Croom remained steadfast in his pursuit of higher education, earning both an associate degree from Hinds Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Jackson State University, graduating with honors and distinction.
His relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence extended beyond his academic achievements. Officer Croom was a devoted member of the Delta Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and actively participated in various community initiatives and service projects. The Officer Kennis Croom Memorial Scholarship honors Officer Croom’s remarkable legacy by providing financial assistance to deserving students who embody his spirit of dedication, integrity, and commitment to community service.
Through this scholarship, Officer Croom’s memory lives on, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams with courage, compassion, and unwavering determination.
Kevin W. Croom serves as the Executive Director of The Croom Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for underexposed and marginalized youth through mentorship, academic enrichment, leadership development, and workforce readiness initiatives. In his role, Kevin provides visionary leadership, strategic oversight, and partnership cultivation that drives measurable, sustainable community impact.
A graduate of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Kevin brings a diverse background in business, athletics, and community engagement. A former high school all-star baseball player and collegiate scholarship athlete, he developed the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that define his leadership approach today. His corporate experience in pharmaceutical sales and business development strengthened his expertise in strategic communication, relationship management, and organizational growth, all of which he has leveraged to expand the reach and capacity of The Croom Foundation.
Under Kevin’s leadership, the Foundation has experienced extraordinary progress and measurable outcomes:
- Financial Growth: Annual revenue increased from $17,722 in 2019 to $823,370 by 2025, a 4,547% growth rate reflecting operational efficiency and strong donor confidence.
- Scholarship Expansion: The Foundation’s impact grew from supporting individual scholarships to facilitating over $5.8 million in cumulative scholarship awards by 2025 with $90,000 awarded internally through the Officer Kennis Croom Memorial Scholarship.
- Geographic Reach: The Foundation expanded from serving 8 counties in 2019 to 43 counties across 5 states by 2025, with school partnerships increasing from 35 to 60.
Beyond his administrative leadership, Kevin is a motivational speaker, writer, and community advocate who collaborates with Grammy-nominated artists, TV personalities, academic leaders, and Fortune 500 executives to advance education and social equity. His work exemplifies the philosophy, “When God blesses you, bless others,” inspiring a culture of servant leadership and empowerment.
Kevin’s vision for The Croom Foundation aligns with the commitment to strengthening communities, advancing education, and fostering inclusive opportunity, making him a proven leader dedicated to long-term social impact.
