The Cliff Avril Family Foundation has impacted the lives of youth both in the United States and Haiti through programs focused on mentorship, education, health, and athletics. Through Cliff’s Crew, young men receive year-round mentorship, leadership development, financial literacy, and exposure to college and career opportunities. The Foundation also invests in students by awarding college and trade school scholarships, while its free youth football camps provide thousands of young athletes with skill development, mentorship, and positive role models.
In Seattle, the Foundation advances community health through Project Power, a partnership with the American Diabetes Association that educates youth and families on nutrition, physical activity, and diabetes awareness. The Foundation also deepens its commitment to diabetes advocacy and research through its support of Breakthrough T1D, helping to accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Type 1 diabetes. In addition, the Foundation invests in pediatric care and research through its support of Seattle Children’s, helping to improve health outcomes for children and families across the region.
Internationally, the Foundation has expanded educational access by building a school in Haiti. Together, these initiatives empower young people to broaden their perspectives, pursue their goals, and build brighter futures.
Founded in 2019, Cliff’s Crew was born from Cliff Avril’s desire to help African- American young men dream beyond the traditional aspirations of becoming professional athletes or entertainers. Recognizing that many youth have limited exposure to the wide range of careers and opportunities available to them, Cliff created the program to broaden their perspectives and inspire them to pursue successful futures in any field.
The inaugural group of participants was selected in partnership with Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, identifying young men who would benefit from long-term mentorship, leadership development, and expanded educational opportunities. Rather than welcoming a new class each year, the same group of young men has remained together since the program’s inception, allowing Cliff and his mentors to build meaningful relationships and support their growth throughout their high school years.
Cliff’s Crew combines mentorship, leadership development, community service, mental wellness, financial literacy, and college and career readiness with transformative real-world experiences. Each summer, the group travels to cities such as Washington, D.C., Memphis, Nashville, Chicago, and New York City, where they meet accomplished African American male professionals across industries including business, media, sports (off-the field), entertainment, government, healthcare, and the skilled trades. Through these immersive experiences, participants discover career paths they may have never imagined, expand their worldview, and gain the confidence to pursue their own unique purpose.
More than a mentorship program, Cliff’s Crew is a brotherhood that equips young men with the knowledge, character, and leadership skills to succeed in college, the workforce, and life while empowering them to become leaders in their own communities.
As a 2004 graduate of Clay High School, Cliff Avril understands firsthand the value of higher education and the doors it can open. To help local students pursue their academic goals, he established the Cliff Avril Family Foundation College Scholarship.
Awarded annually each May, the scholarship recognizes a deserving graduating senior from a Clay County (Florida) high school who plans to attend a two- or four-year college or university. Through this investment, the foundation seeks to support students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, character, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
The Samuel Avril Trade School Scholarship honors the legacy of Cliff’s father, Samuel Avril, a Haitian immigrant who came to the United States in pursuit of opportunity. After learning the welding trade, Samuel built a successful career that enabled him to provide a better life for his family, instilling the values of hard work, perseverance, and craftsmanship.
Inspired by his father’s journey, this scholarship recognizes that skilled trades are essential to our communities and provide rewarding, in-demand career opportunities. Awarded annually to a graduating Clay County (Florida) high school senior pursuing trade school, vocational training, or a skilled apprenticeship, the scholarship helps remove financial barriers for students preparing to enter the workforce and build meaningful careers.
Middleburg High School
2026 CAFF Scholarship Recipient
Clay High School
2026 Samuel Avril Trade School Scholarship Recipient
Clay High School
2025 CAFF Scholarship Recipient
Keystone Heights High School
2025 Samuel Avril Trade School Scholarship Recipient
Fleming Island High School
2024 CAFF Scholarship Recipient
Keystone Heights High School
2024 Samuel Avril Trade School Scholarship Recipient
The Cliff Avril Family Foundation’s Youth Football Camp provides free, high-quality experiences for young athletes. Designed to teach the fundamentals of football while emphasizing character, teamwork, and leadership, the camp offers participants the unique opportunity to receive one-on-one instruction from Seattle Seahawks Legend and Super Bowl Champion Cliff Avril, along with current and former NFL players who volunteer their time and share their knowledge of the game. Beyond the on-field instruction, campers enjoy a memorable experience that includes lunch, a sports-themed goody bag, photos and autographs with the athletes, and a camp t-shirt—creating lasting memories while inspiring confidence, sportsmanship, and success both on and off the field.