Home
About Us
DADS for Education: A Legacy of Engagement and Renewed Purpose
Founded in 1996, the DADS ARE DOING SOMETHING (DADS) program is a pioneering initiative dedicated to increasing the involvement of fathers and male role models in schools. Inspired by the historic Million Man March in 1995, the program was created to turn that powerful moment into lasting, community-based impact.
What began as a local movement soon grew into a national model. Under the leadership of founder John Finn, DADS for Education expanded to over 14 school districts across Michigan, California, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Oregon. The program proved that when men show up in schools—consistently and intentionally—they can be powerful advocates for academic success, school safety, and student well-being.
DADS volunteers have tutored students, read to children, monitored hallways, attended sporting events, and served as a steady, positive presence in the school community. Their efforts have helped strengthen relationships, build trust, and support the development of students both inside and outside the classroom.
Today, the need for programs like DADS is more urgent than ever. The lasting effects of COVID-19—particularly the isolation experienced by many children during remote learning—have created widespread challenges in social-emotional development, mental health, and academic engagement. In this context, the presence of caring adult role models in schools is not just helpful, but essential. We are re-launching the DADS Program to impact a new generation of students with a proven solution offering connection, consistency, and hope through the simple but powerful act of showing up.
Meet Our President
Bryan Johnson is the President of DADS for Education, where he is leading the relaunch of the DADS Are Doing Something initiative to mobilize male volunteers and foster stronger school-community connections. With a background that spans public education, community leadership, and organizational strategy, Bryan brings a unique, action-oriented perspective to family engagement and student success.
A former Ann Arbor Public School Board President, Bryan also serves as Membership Chair for Washtenaw County’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative and previously chaired the AAPS District Wide Black Parent Support Group. He has over eight years of experience in higher education at the Ross School of Business, and four years as a management consultant, helping senior leaders activate strategy at every level of their organizations.
Bryan holds a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan and a Bachelors in Business Management from Hampton University. A proud father of two, he is committed to creating inclusive, engaged, and high-performing school communities.
Meet Our Founder
John Finn is a former educator, Assistant Superintendent of Gary, Indiana Public Schools, Director of Housing at the University of John Finn – Founder, DADS for Education.
John Finn is a lifelong educator and community leader dedicated to empowering families and schools. A former Assistant Superintendent of Gary, Indiana Public Schools and Director of Housing at the University of Michigan, Finn founded DADS for Education and the DADS ARE DOING SOMETHING (DADS) program in 1996 after being inspired by the Million Man March.
His mission: to get more fathers and male role models actively involved in schools. Under his leadership, the program expanded to over 14 districts nationwide, becoming a national model for father engagement in education.
Today, John Finn continues to support the program as a consultant and advisor, sharing his deep institutional knowledge and experience to help guide the successful relaunch and expansion of DADS for Education.