The story behind
the name
ENDERS PROJECT
ENDERS PROJECT EQUAL ACCESS was not the original name of our nonprofit, but its transformation into what it is today is deeply rooted in this powerful story.
ENDERS PROJECT EQUAL ACCESS was not the original name of our nonprofit, but its transformation into what it is today is deeply rooted in this powerful story.
The organization was initially founded under a different name, driven by a passion for creating opportunities for underserved youth. At the same time, as the nonprofit worked hand in hand with its first partnership, one of our board members was developing a mentorship and health awareness program to support the nonprofit under the name Enders Project. This name was inspired by someone she knew-a boy growing up in New York City, a first-generation American born to immigrant parents. Through his story, the heart of her program build became clearer.
This boy, bright and talented, lacked mentors and guidance. His school environment was unsafe, and after witnessing a fellow student’s stabbing during the first semester of high school, he never went back. Though he had a natural gift for art and math, he turned to graffiti as an outlet. The name he chose to tag, “Ender,” held no meaning to him then-it simply sounded good. Little did he know, “Ender” would later define a mission to change lives.
Eventually, this boy earned his GED and went to college, but his journey was unnecessarily difficult, marked by dead ends that might have been avoided if just one mentor or opportunity had come at the right time. His story resonated deeply with the board member, who saw it as a reflection of the challenges our work sought to address. She grew up with certain challenges herself, but the difference in paths was evident due to resources she found along the way that he did not find until much later.
Inspired by the boy’s chosen name, Ender, the board member shaped her program around it. Later, when the board learned the true meaning of the word Ender-something that ends another thing-they voted to adopt it as the nonprofit’s official name.
Thus, ENDERS PROJECT EQUAL ACCESS, was born, signifying our mission to end the barriers, dead ends, and missed opportunities for young people, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive. The name change reflects not just his story, but a broader vision- to create pathways for youth to overcome adversity, reach their potential, and end the cycles that hold them back.
