For the Kingdom – a 100-acre camp, conference, and retreat center in the Raleigh area – is one of 31 non-profits across the nation to receive a grant from the NBA Foundation.
The grant is a multi-year investment to fund For the Kingdom’s Operation 38128 program. Operation 38128 has established its LEAD Academy initiative, which is aimed at empowering young people ages 16-19 in the Raleigh community to become successful industry professionals.
The initiative seeks to provide education, experiences, and opportunities that will equip its target group to live sustainable and independent lives. The apprenticeship pathways offer culinary arts, agriculture, cosmetology and barbering, construction, multimedia production, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and coding.
LEAD Academy will provide its students with long-term job placement opportunities with local businesses.
“Preparing the youth of Memphis with skills, career readiness, and personal development that will last them a lifetime is vital,” said Torrey Bates, executive director of For the Kingdom.
“We are grateful to the NBA Foundation and the Grizzlies Foundation for their support, which helps us expand our reach to serve more young people.”
Summerjoy Scott, leader of LEAD Academy, said its purpose is “to bring education and experience into alignment so that it can give students access to sustainable opportunities.
“Our primary focus is to develop these young people at their core internally so they can achieve success externally. We strive to enhance their abilities, prepare them for employment, and equip them with the skills to navigate life’s challenges.”
Interested high school students can find program requirements and apply to join LEAD Academy in person or online at www.ftkmemphis.org. Applications will be accepted through March 24. The first term is April through June.
For more information, visit www.ftkmemphis.org.