Meet Rufus “Elijah”
RUFUS “ELIJAH” CLARK II
Born and raised in Chicago, Elijah’s journey through Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and New York gave him a wide lens on learning and leadership. A former Boy Scout, Atlanta Music Project vocalist, and international educator, Elijah brings heart, creativity, and structure to Shakeinah Lifeschool’s Night Crew. He mentors students through tutoring, life-skills coaching, and beginner pastry classes that build confidence and joy!
“Every child deserves a chance to find their rhythm - whether through a song, a skill, or a delicious late-night breakthrough.”
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Elijah was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised across Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and New York. His educational path included public, private, parochial, and homeschooling experiences - shaping his ability to meet learners wherever they are.
As a former Boy Scout and later a troop leader, Elijah developed leadership and service skills that continue to inform his teaching. He trained as a singer with the Atlanta Music Project, where he honed vocal performance, teamwork, and creative discipline while studying from home as a homeschooler.
After interning at BlackRock in New York City in 2019, Elijah joined Microsoft’s international digital education initiative, helping to train new users across Africa on how to use Microsoft tools for communication, learning, and entrepreneurship.
At Shakeinah Lifeschool, Elijah serves on the Night Crew Team & Leadership, mentoring children and teens online and through hybrid programs. He supports students from communities facing socioeconomic challenges by teaching the “in-between” skills often lost between home and school; combining tutoring, emotional growth, and beginner baking and pastry classes that teach patience, precision, and creative confidence.