2022 Volunteer in Action
Community Volunteer
Alexander Mattison
Minnesota Vikings Running Back Alexander Mattison is the recipient of the 2022 Education Medal of Honor, Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer.
Following his rookie NFL season, Mattison branded and launched the “I AM GIFTED” clothing line in support of his philanthropic work. He is a positive community role model who shares hope by helping others realize they are innately gifted.
Born and raised in San Bernardino, Mattison is a graduate of San Bernardino City Unified School District. Due to circumstances out of his parent’s control, Mattison and his family experienced homelessness during his childhood.
Judges recognized Mattison’s drive to pay it forward. San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Superintendent Doc Irvin nominated Mattison. Irvin stated, “During regular trips back to his alma mater, he has used his platform to reinforce the powerful message that one’s circumstances are not predictive of future success. In fact, he urges SBCUSD students to tap into the grit the rough and tumble city has bred in them and use that fortitude against all adversity.”
Along with providing scholarships to students, Mattison visits school sites in San Bernardino to share his personal story of overcoming adversity. He hopes to motivate students to take advantage of the educational opportunities afforded to them and to show what they can achieve through education.
Mattison said, “There’s no time to wait to help someone out, to lend a helping hand. I have the opportunity, the platform, to provide some of those resources. I just want to try and be a little bit of light in somebody’s day, somebody’s week, somebody’s month, maybe even someone’s life.”
Service Group
Millionaire Mind Kids
Millionaire Mind Kids, a non-profit organization founded by CEO Delores Williams, is the recipient of the 2022 Education Medal of Honor, Volunteer in Action/ Service Group.
Millionaire Mind Kids (MMK) not only promotes education but addresses the needs of students in the High Desert by engaging them in educational and positive activities during school breaks and year-round robotics programs. It serves to assist educators with reducing high school drop-out rates and closing educational gaps amongst under-served youth.
In collaboration with her two grandchildren, Williams designed and implemented youth and family programs for MMK to empower underserved students and inspire students to learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education, robotics and financial literacy.
One judge commented, “What a true gift both Delores and Millionaire Mind Kids are to local students. Exposing kids and getting students excited about STEM projects and opportunities is always so important. The fact that this grandma and her grandchildren took the bull by the horns to come up with this non-profit organization is so inspiring.”
Adelanto Elementary School District (AESD) nominated MMK for the award and shared the impact the organization has had on students after partnering with the district to provide afterschool robotic programs.
“What I’m seeing with kids involved in the Millionaire Mind Kids afterschool program is excitement. They’re excited. They’re ready to get in the classroom,” said AESD Superintendent Dr. Kennon Mitchell. “And most importantly, they’re learning synergy and how to work with other people and diverse thinkers.”
Jenny Owen
Director, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
For additional information, please call 909.386.2413.
601 North E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0020