Our Mission
The mission and vision of A Million Matters is driven by the impact non-profit organizations have on our community. We are a group of 100 charitably inclined women dedicated to supporting the creative and innovative projects of Atlanta area non-profits. Since our inception in 1997, AMM has awarded $100,000 annually to non-profit organizations making a positive impact in our Atlanta community.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENT
The Study Hall
In 1990, Father Austin Ford founded The Study Hall as a safe haven for the children of Atlanta’s Peoplestown neighborhood. Recognizing the deep need for educational support in underserved communities, he established an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization where children could access academic resources, mentorship, and life skills in a nurturing environment. A group of committed volunteers rallied behind the vision and successfully raised the funds to build The Study Hall’s first facility, a welcoming and reliable space for learning, growth, and connection.
For 35 years, The Study Hall was a cornerstone in the Peoplestown community where it served children that attended Barak & Michelle Obama Academy (formerly known as DH Stanton Elementary School), Dunbar and Slater Elementary Schools.
In 2022, The Study Hall began construction on its new headquarters in Northwest Atlanta while launching its first in-school afterschool program @ KIPP @ Woodson Park Academy. In January 2024, The Study Hall began serving K-5th grade scholars at its second location in the Collier Heights community. This location serves the scholars that attend Harper Archer and Usher Collier Elementary Schools. To date, The Study Hall has served more than 3,000 scholars through its no-cost programming. The agency's work is intentionally centered on the K-5th graders offering both afterschool and summer enrichment programs that address the full spectrum of a child’s development, academic, social- emotional, physical and cultural needs.
As the most comprehensive youth development program of its kind in the area, The Study Hall is committed to a relationship-based model that supports the whole child and the whole family. Through individualized academic assistance, social, emotional learning, health and wellness programming, and family engagement opportunities, we empower students to thrive in school and beyond. Rooted in equity and fueled by community, The Study Hall continues to shape confident, capable young leaders who are ready to make a difference in their world.
Our grant will support security, technology, and facility enhancements at The Study Hall's newest location in Collier Heights. The project will significantly improve safety, program quality, and student well-being.
With AMM support, The Study Hall will:
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Install eight additional surveillance cameras, increase recording storage capacity, and add battery backup to ensure continuous monitoring;
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Purchase audiovisual equipment (such as a PA system and a projector), 40 laptops, and a computer cabinet to enhance engagement, support interactive learning, and facilitate effective communication with families during educational workshops and student showcases;
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Contract with an IT consultant to provide year-round support;
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Invest in licensing, software, firewalls, and parental controls for 80 computers used daily by Scholars; and
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Enhance the safe, supervised outdoor play environment with new equipment that supports physical, social, and emotional development.
This project will ensure that The Study Hall Scholars have a safe environment, access to engaging instruction, and opportunities for meaningful family involvement, all of which are essential for academic success and whole-child development.
CONTACT
A MILLION MATTERS
Mailing Address
1266 West Paces Ferry Road
PMB 102
Atlanta, Georgia 30327
“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope”
Martin Luther