LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A brand new skilled growth initiative is underway in Mid-Michigan to organize scholar athletes for all times past the sport. It is the product of a collaboration between nonprofit group Apex Academy and Jackson Nationwide Life Insurance coverage.
Lansing natives Kaleb Thornhill and Travisd Key based Apex Academy, and they’re increasing their mission to empower scholar athletes because of a brand new $10,000 grant from the insurance coverage firm and an identical $10,000 donation from the founders themselves. Now, the nonprofit can implement extra mentorship alternatives, meals, and tutorial tutoring.
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“It’s so cool to be able to provide these kids with opportunities that didn’t exist when I was growing up, and we always say ‘Exposure breeds expansion.’ So it’s pretty cool to provide that,” Thornhill mentioned.
Head Coach of the Everett Excessive College soccer group, Jaleel Canty, was part of the unique Apex Academy whereas rising up within the metropolis of Lansing. He says the work within the final 5 years has made an enormous distinction for his gamers academically.
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“I went to the 4 for 1 program before it was Apex Academy. So now to see full circle and now be a part of it, giving back man, it means the world,” Canty mentioned. “Our kids have had a higher GPA in the last couple of years than they’ve ever had. I think it’s a direct correlation to this program, as well as others that are investing in our student athletes.”
For scholar athlete James Brown, the academy growth occasions have created extra alternatives to ascertain different paths to success past the sport.
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“Apex has really opened up my mind to other opportunities and knowing football doesn’t have to be the route, and it helped me in school too with the tutors and stuff,” Brown mentioned.
The skilled growth plan kicks off within the upcoming college yr, and Thornhill says the main focus is evident — constructing the life and profession expertise scholar athletes want lengthy after the sport ends.
