The National Alliance of African American Athletes was founded in 1989. The vision of the Alliance is to be the preeminent organization helping youth achieve academic excellence and reach their highest potential. Since 1992 the Alliance has presented the Watkins Award to promote academic excellence among young African-American males. The Watkins Award has become the preeminent award bestowed on the top high school scholar athlete in the nation. The finalists are chosen based on their: unweighted GPA, their personal statements, extra-curricular activities, community service, and letters of recommendation.  Additional Alliance programs include the Watkins Teen Summit, held during the same weekend as the Watkins Award, and the S.A.T. Scrimmage, which helps prepare students to take the college admissions Scholastic Aptitude Test.