Brooklyn Center High School Partnership Program

Geographic Scope: Brooklyn Center High School, Minnesota

Target Population:

• Student-athletes at Brooklyn Center High School
• School demographics: 80% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch
• Underserved youth

Focus Areas:

• Academic achievement gap closure
• Athletic development and support
• Character and leadership development
• Healthy lifestyle education
• Financial support for athletes

What They Fund:

• Weight room upgrades and equipment ($10,000 initial investment)
• Team sports equipment purchases
• Varsity athlete scholarships ($1,000 per qualifying athlete per team)
• Stadium lighting replacement (new lights installed June 2021 after 3-year outage)
• Apparel and uniforms
• Nutritional education and healthy snacks
• Inspirational visits from Adam & Caitlin Thielen

Program Goals:

• Incentivize students to complete sports season
• Maintain 2.0 GPA or higher
• Learn healthy lifestyle habits
• Increase confidence and leadership qualities
• Support reaching full potential

Program Components:

• Athletic scholarships: $1,000 for qualifying varsity athletes
• Equipment and apparel support
• Nutritional education
• Coaching and mentorship
• Community events and celebrations

Corporate Partners:

• ETS Sports Performance
• SCHEELS
• Adidas
• Pizza Hut
• Kind Bars
• MATTER

Achievements:

• 2021: Stadium lights installed and first game played under new lights in September with Adam and Caitlin in attendance
• Renewed enthusiasm for academics and athletics among student body
• Enhanced Centaur athletic program visibility and support

Background: Uses athletics as proven platform for developing discipline, time management, competitive spirit, and positive character.