Looking at Bill Granville today, it’s difficult to believe that the African American, senior-level executive at Mobil Corporation once led an inner-city gang known as the “Whips East Trenton Trotters” and was considered an incorrigible youth that frequently encountered the juvenile court system. Fortunately, a school guidance counselor had the insight to see beyond the surface of this young man and know that he had intelligence and strong leadership skills. She guided his energy and talent away from gang violence and toward education where he ultimately earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics.

Bill Granville did not forget what life might have been like for him. In the middle of a technology transfer project, he came up with the idea of transferring the know-how of corporate America to kids in his old neighborhood. In 1983, this idea led to the founding of Granville Academy in Trenton, New Jersey. The Academy was named in honor of his parents.

There are now eleven affiliate academies in as many cities and additional affiliates planned. Bill also authored “Just Say Yes!”, a motivational book introducing youngsters to business. Granville is funded through a combination of individual, community, foundation and corporate contributions.