The Dallas Post Tribune Reports on the Brewer Foundation’s 30 Year Impact

March 2, 2026 – The Dallas Post Tribune recently profiled The Brewer Foundation and its flagship programs, the Future Leaders Program (FLP) and the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF).  

The Foundation, which celebrates 30 years of student impact, was established in 1995 to expand opportunity in education. William A. Brewer III, the foundation’s chairman and partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors explained its mission saying, “The Foundation was always envisioned as a charity that would operate in the community.” 

The FLP, founded in 2001, embodies that commitment. It operates as a public-private partnership between Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and private school partners. Shirley Ison-Newsome, a former DISD administrator and early program champion recounted its lasting impact, “What began as an ambitious concept has become a proven framework that consistently produces graduates who are prepared, confident, and positioned to succeed.” 

Since its inception, FLP has served over 2,000 students and helped them secure over $20 million in scholarships since 2009. 

While FLP serves the South Dallas community, the Foundation’s IPPF promotes civil discourse worldwide through the power of debate. Also in its 25th year, the IPPF saw its largest competition year to date with over 500 teams registered from 48 countries. The annual IPPF Finals will take place  on April 18th at New York University, where the final eight teams will compete for the $10,000 grand prize and the Brewer Cup. 

For the first time in program history, IPPF will host a symposium on the day before the finals, April 17th, uniting students with educators and policy leaders to examine this year’s topic.  

The Foundation has also drawn new partners to its work. In 2025, the Foundation announced new partnerships with JP Morgan Chase, Capital One, and Texas Southern University.  

Foundation President, Ian Shaw, told the Post Tribune, “The Foundation’s future will depend on building relationships with mission-aligned partners that believe in providing opportunities to students who are willing to change their future. Our responsibility is to expand access, evolve our programs, and ensure that students feel supported at every stage of their journey.”