Charity Spotlight: The AthLife Foundation

The Heisman Trust has donated millions of dollars to dozens of charities since its inception in 2001.

One of our most cherished beneficiaries is the AthLife Foundation, a non-profit organization whose aim is to ensure that deserving student-athletes can achieve academically while garnering the skills to succeed in post-secondary pursuits.

With support from the Heisman Trust (and other benefactors), AthLife creates academic coaches for high school sports programs. They are like regular assistant coaches, but their job is to help student athletes to improve academically, to make sure they are passing their tests and to prepare them for college.

The results have been outstanding. In 2014-2015, the teams funded by the Heisman Trust through AthLife had a 98.5% graduation rate and an 87% college enrollment rate while contributing over 1,500 hours of community service.

At Curtis High in Staten Island, NY, over 200 athletes were served by AthLife. The class of 2015 achieved a 100% graduation rate while earning close to $1 million in scholarships and grants. The student-athletes participated in over 1,000 hours of life and leadership skills workshops, took part in SAT prep programs, and learned how to stay eligible by tracking the latest NCAA academic rules.

Last December, Curtis High students Maliek Kelly and Bowlee Kortee attended the 2014 Heisman Gala at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square in recognition of their athletic and academic accomplishments. Both student-athletes maintained 90-plus averages. Kortee is now a senior in the Curtis nursing program and a member of the lacrosse team. Kelly was a three-year varsity football player, as well as quarterback and team captain. He received college scholarship offers valued at more than $100,000 from schools such as St. John Fischer, Illinois College, Dominican College and Buffalo State.

There are sure to be more success stories like theirs in the future: In 2015-2016, the AthLife program is expected to reach over 1,350 students at seven high schools in the New York City area. The Heisman Trust is once again excited to be supporting AthLife in its charitable endeavors.

Every $1.00 granted by the AthLife Foundation generates a $2.50 investment from schools. If you are interested in contributing a gift to the AthLife Foundation, click here.