Brooklyn Center High School Partnership Program

Brooklyn Center High School Partnership Program

Overview: A comprehensive pilot program since 2018 using athletics as a catalyst for academic success and student development at an economically disadvantaged school.

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: Partnership began fall 2019 (with program development since 2018). Uses athletics as proven platform for developing discipline, time management, competitive spirit, and positive character.