318 Foundation

The 318 Foundation aims to empower Black girls in grades 9-12, and historically marginalized communities, through mentorship, immersive experiences, and elite sports training. Historically, Black girl's struggles have been camouflaged, rendering their needs invisible, and the programs that support their educational, psychological, and social needs, essential. We have three powerful programs: 318 VISION, ACTION, and SPORTS, that holistically aims to support these needs, with a focus on mentorship and hands-on training, enabling us to meet girls where they are and provide enriching and engaging experiences that inspire growth, empowerment, and the formation of new networks to create opportunities. Partnering with local schools and universities, especially HBCUs, our 318 VISION and 318 ACTION initiatives identify high school girls with leadership potential and offer tailored experiences such as mentorship, curriculum, leadership trips, career exposure, and college tours. Through 318 SPORTS, we provide elite sports training and holistic leadership development, bridging the gap for athletes who may need more resources or exposure for their desired level of competition. Our programs aim to support girls as they enhance their intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Ultimately, the 318 Foundation is committed to advancing girls' learning, personal development, and community engagement through sports and mentorship.Our 318 VISION program is dedicated to empowering high school girls with transformative opportunities for self-discovery, focusing on the pillars of VOICE, IDENTITY, SUCCESS, INNOVATION, OPPORTUNITY, and NETWORKING (VISION). To achieve this, we have cultivated a diverse and dedicated group of mentors comprising executives, athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers, and college students, all of whom are eager to share their life experiences. These mentors engage with our youth participants, called VISIONARIES, building meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. In the majority of our schools, we work with students daily for 1-2hours collaborating closely with lead teachers and school principals, leveraging their strong relationships to effectively motivate the VISIONARIES. Each programmatic theme lasts over the course of one month, with some themes extending based on the needs of the VISIONARIES. Our proprietary curriculum enhances academic skills like writing and critical thinking, fostering self-discovery and personal growth. Our approach prioritizes mentorship as critical engagement,shifting the deficit-based models to empower students to enter classrooms and communities withconfidence and agency. In 2023, we focused on VISIONARIES advocating for themselves by understanding the power of their voice. Our curriculum includes lessons around understanding personal strengths and articulating thoughts, which creates opportunities for us to teach lessons on public speaking. While engaging in these lessons, VISIONARIES practice new skills amongst their peers, community members, and collegiate and professional mentors. VISION brings together the expertise of youth workers and educators to create a collaborative and student-centered learningenvironment. Our focus on giving power back to both students and teachers transforms systems by prioritizing student voice and critical thinking over passive learning. This approach has engaged more parents as students share their experiences at home, leading to increased interest and support for our program. Empowering students and redefining the educational landscape prepares VISIONARIES for success and walks alongside parents and guardians in this effort.Our program revitalizes traditional mentoring by introducing girls to new career opportunities that might be unavailable in their immediate communities. We've developed an innovative delivery model that unlocks doors to unexplored career paths and established extended mentorship networks. Unlike conventional mentoring, we offer a diverse menu of mentorship options through our programs. This allows girls to choose support tailored to their aspirations, creating a personalizedand impactful experience. We broaden their horizons and empower them to envision careers beyond their local community. For example, in places like Shreveport, LA, where nursing roles often dominate the workforce, our program introduces girls to mentors who share their experiences,offering a glimpse of various career options beyond nursing.The ACTION program is the dynamic out-of-school programming of VISION, offering anenriching journey of personal growth and leadership development. Through immersive experiences, including domestic and international travel, community engagement, leadership conferences, college tours, and career enrichment opportunities, ACTION seeks to expand horizons, ignite passions, and equip girls with the tools they need to thrive. Some of the experiences weve curated include group dinners, Holiday parties for VISIONARIES and their families, a week-long summer youth leadership conference attended by two VISIONARIES, and a 3-day ACTION trip that consisted ofthree college tours to Xavier University (see powerful video here), Baton Rouge Community College and Louisiana State University. This trip allowed VISIONARIES to experience multiple iterations of what postsecondary academics look like. In addition to the college tours, the VISIONARIES participated in a financial literacy session with Home Bank (a 318 partner), visited the New Orleans Aquarium, and attended their first NCAA gymnastics competition between two of our nation'spowerhouses, LSU vs Auburn University.318 SPORTS includes many aspects of the VISION program and is designed to empower gifted and talented athletes who may lack exposure or support by creating a transformative elite training experience. We strive to cultivate their voices, nurture their sense of identity, foster success and innovation, provide valuable opportunities, and facilitate networking within the sports community. Our goal is to empower these athletes to reach their fullest potential beyond sports while equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and connections to excel in their athletic endeavors. In the summer of 2024, 318 Foundation will host its annual Champions Academy, featuring a one-week Basketball "Training Camp" experience for 40 female athletes. Additionally, there will be a coaches clinic tailored for upcoming Black women and women coaches of color from across Louisiana (seebelow for details). By combining a focus on personal development, access to resources and opportunities, and building a strong network within the sports community, the program aims to provide a comprehensive experience beyond just athletics. It seeks to empower athletes with the tools they need to succeed and make a positive impact, helping them navigate challenges and maximize their potential in their respective sports and future endeavors.318 Champions Academy (318 SPORTS)The 318 SPORTS Champions Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to elevate players both on and off the court. With a multifaceted approach to player development, the program will enhance skills, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and leadership abilities. Physical and mental well-being are addressed through morning sessions that include stretches, yoga, and targeted and individualized workouts. These activities optimize physical readiness and mental focus, incorporating mindfulness techniques and stress management strategies to enhance overall performance. The training regimen includes advanced conditioning drills designed to boost athletic performance, endurance, and speed. These drills are customized to meet the specific physical demands of Division I (D1) and professional basketball, covering strength, speed, agility, and endurance.Financial literacy is a vital component of the program, with workshops and classes tailored to athletes' unique needs. Topics range from budgeting and investing to managing endorsements and contracts. Athletes receive guidance on navigating financial opportunities and avoiding potential pitfalls, ensuring their long-term financial security.The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) empowerment component provides education on athletes' rights and opportunities in this realm. Workshops delve into the legal and marketing aspects of monetizing personal brands. Training encompasses building and managing relationships with sponsors, agents, and marketing representatives, as well as negotiating endorsement deals and managing personal image rights.In-depth video analysis provides athletes with the skills needed to critically evaluate individual and team performances to identify areas of success and improvement. Through strategic game analysis, athletes develop a sharper basketball IQ and a deeper grasp of opponent tendencies. Position-specific skills development is a cornerstone of the program, with intensive training drills aimed at