David Hardin's Bio
Mr. David D. Hardin returned home to the Southeast after nearly a decade away to lead Build Urban Prosperity. BuildUp, featured on NBC’s TODAY Show, is the nation’s first early-college workforce development high school to comprehensively address poverty and urban blight, empowering youth to become educated, career-ready homeowners and landlords. David is a visionary leader committed to transforming communities through education and empowerment. His leadership and strategic vision have made a profound impact on countless students and educators, fostering environments where academic excellence and personal growth are paramount.
David’s journey began in the classroom, where his exceptional teaching skills led to dramatic improvements in student test scores. His dedication and effectiveness as an educator earned him several teaching awards. Beyond the classroom, David founded a mentorship-based non-profit organization, providing scholarships and guidance to numerous students, helping them to realize their full potential.
His career progressed with Teach For America, where he managed a portfolio of schools and a cohort of teachers, coaching them toward success. His ability to inspire and lead educators was instrumental in driving substantial improvements in teaching quality and student outcomes. This experience laid a solid foundation for his role as a Building Excellent Schools (BES) fellow. As a BES fellow, David acquired the expertise to establish and lead Aurum Preparatory Academy as its Executive Director. Under his leadership, the academy achieved significant student growth and secured substantial funding, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of educational excellence. In his current role as CEO, David spearheads BuildUp’s strategic growth initiatives to other communities across the nation, enhancing educational outcomes and empowering students to become career-ready, community-focused citizens. His tactical vision and unwavering commitment to education have made a lasting impact on the communities he serves.
David holds a Bachelors degree from Morehouse College and a Masters degree in Instructional and Organizational Leadership. His academic background, combined with his extensive experience in educational leadership, positions him as a transformative figure in the field of education.
Email: David@buildup.work
