Monday, March 25, 2024 

CONTACT: press@twosixproject.com 

THE TWO-SIX PROJECT PARTNERS WITH NIKE, GOOGLE, MICROSOFT, BROOKLYN NETS, SPGBK, AND DREAMVILLE FOUNDATION TO HOST FIRST EVER LEAD + INNOVATION CAMP IN NYC

FAYETTEVILLE, NC — On Thursday, March 28, The Two-Six Project will host their first-ever Emerging Leaders LEAD + Innovation Camp (Leadership Enrichment Achievement Development + Innovation) in New York City alongside partners Nike, Google, Microsoft, Brooklyn Nets, and Dreamville Foundation. 25 students in The Two-Six Project’s  Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) will fly from North Carolina to New York to participate in three days of conversations and workshops with NIKE, Microsoft, and the Brooklyn Nets. The LEAD + Innovation Camp is an opportunity to expose youth to enriching opportunities in the public and private sectors. 

“Growing up in Fayetteville, I quickly recognized the city’s need for youth engagement, leadership development, and career exploration,” said Grant Bennett, Founder of The Two-Six Project. “In just 5 years, The Two-Six Project has raised $350,000 in community engagements, scholarships, and programming, and this is just the beginning. With the utmost support from our partners, we are excited to introduce our first-ever LEAD + Innovation Camp. The ELP was created to educate, expose, and empower marginalized youth with the resources needed to realize their dreams. Fueled by the enthusiasm of our students, this Camp is a testament to years of hard work and a continued commitment to our community.” 

“Young leaders like Grant are transforming their communities by tackling systemic gaps that prevent underserved and underrepresented youth from reaching their full potential,” said Ariel Corbett, Executive Director, Dreamville Foundation. “The Dreamville Foundation is proud to support The Two-Six Project in their dedication to addressing society’s most pressing challenges through youth engagement. Together, we can create lasting change and drive opportunities for generations to come.” 

“Reflecting on my journey from challenging beginnings in the neighborhood of Terra Gardens to fulfilling my dreams of playing basketball, and becoming a leader in my community, I know first-hand the importance of youth investment and engagement,” said Dennis Smith, Jr., Point Guard, Brooklyn Nets.  “The Emerging Leaders LEAD + Innovation Camp will be a weekend full of professional growth and development. For many of these kids, this will be a life-changing experience. I’m honored and excited to use my platform to uplift and support the next generation of changemakers.” 

Founded in 2019, The Two-Six Project was inspired by the impact of disinvestment and growing crime rates amongst youth in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Through summits, community activations, and a vibrant social media presence, we have connected with tens of thousands of local youth, fostering a sense of belonging and providing positive role models.