About The Junior Sizzlers
It’s More Than Just A Game!
It’s More Than Just A Game!
Who We Are
The Junior Sizzlers program emphasizes academics (including summer tutoring sessions) and nutritional knowledge while preparing kids to compete at both developmental and competitive levels. Sports include, without limitation, basketball, baseball, softball, football, track, soccer, volleyball, and cheer leading. Our after-school program is designed to engender each participant's ability to problem-solve and work effectively with others through athletics, fostering proper assertiveness, enhanced communication skills, confidence, discipline, and teamwork. The core principles are proven, tried-and-true concepts that have already been successfully implemented by our coach-mentors in Division I college and professional athletics.
The Junior Sizzlers operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity under the umbrella of ThreeFive, Inc., a Kansas corporation which remains in good standing.
Acceptance in the Junior Sizzlers youth program is not based upon ability to pay or ability to play. Kids are chosen and retained based on their commitment to education and a desire to be a productive citizen. The commitment requires dedication to self-discipline, hard work, respect for others, teamwork, and helping peers achieve their potential, both on and off the playing fields. These principles teach our youth to look beyond themselves by reaching out to others who have less – be it less money, less skill, or less confidence.
The Junior Sizzlers program emphasizes academics (including summer tutoring sessions) and nutritional knowledge while preparing kids to compete at both developmental and competitive levels. Sports include, without limitation, basketball, baseball, softball, football, track, soccer, volleyball, and cheer leading. Our after-school program is designed to engender each participant's ability to problem-solve and work effectively with others through athletics, fostering proper assertiveness, enhanced communication skills, confidence, discipline, and teamwork. The core principles are proven, tried-and-true concepts that have already been successfully implemented by our coach-mentors in Division I college and professional athletics.
The Junior Sizzlers operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity under the umbrella of ThreeFive, Inc., a Kansas corporation which remains in good standing.
Acceptance in the Junior Sizzlers youth program is not based upon ability to pay or ability to play. Kids are chosen and retained based on their commitment to education and a desire to be a productive citizen. The commitment requires dedication to self-discipline, hard work, respect for others, teamwork, and helping peers achieve their potential, both on and off the playing fields. These principles teach our youth to look beyond themselves by reaching out to others who have less – be it less money, less skill, or less confidence.
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Our Mission Engage our metro-area boys & girls from Wyandotte, Johnson, & Jackson counties in meaningful activities to help them reach their potential, both on & off the playing field. Helping kids grow & develop into productive members of society & exceptional individuals through competition in sports & the classroom is what we are all about. |
Our Vision Through expansion of the model program into other metropolitan areas across the country, the Junior Sizzlers program seeks to improve the nation & the lives of as many student-athletes who make the commitment & show dedication to improving, regardless of skill level or the sport. |
THE PROBLEM
SOLUTION
The Junior Sizzlers is designed to combat the multi-faceted problem by providing mentoring, role-modeling, goals, and a sense of purpose through a sports and education program for both boys and girls grades 4-12. The program utilizes established, responsible athletes to connect with kids through sports and not only coach them but also teach them life skills, discipline, and the value of hard work and determination while simultaneously providing productive, positive, and fun environments to occupy their time.
- 3 million (3,000,000) US teenagers drop out of high school every year.
- Only ten percent (10%) of dropouts will be eligible for today's job market.
- Eighty percent (80%) of the incarcerated population are high school dropouts.
SOLUTION
The Junior Sizzlers is designed to combat the multi-faceted problem by providing mentoring, role-modeling, goals, and a sense of purpose through a sports and education program for both boys and girls grades 4-12. The program utilizes established, responsible athletes to connect with kids through sports and not only coach them but also teach them life skills, discipline, and the value of hard work and determination while simultaneously providing productive, positive, and fun environments to occupy their time.
EDUCATION-BASED
Education is our number one priority, and our student-athletes are taught to understand the importance of schoolwork as we establish sound and consistent habits that affect competition and performance in both the athletic arena and the classroom. By focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of the game, our aim is to work with every student-athlete to set achievable goals designed to increase their ability, confidence, and competitive drive on the playing courts and in their classrooms. The end goal is enhanced capacity to triumph at all levels of competition, athletic, scholastic, business, and life.
Good grades are expected and regularly checked by our coach-mentors throughout the school year. We stress the importance of achieving good marks on report cards because we want our athletes to know what will be expected of them as they enter Middle School, High School, and College. The ultimate goal for most Junior Sizzlers is to receive a scholarship. Without a solid GPA throughout High School, those chances decrease dramatically. For those who are good enough in their sport(s), receiving an athletic scholarship is a bonus. One of the Junior Sizzlers’ primary goals is to produce highly visible student athletes, who will hopefully receive both academic and athletic scholarships to continue their education.
Education is our number one priority, and our student-athletes are taught to understand the importance of schoolwork as we establish sound and consistent habits that affect competition and performance in both the athletic arena and the classroom. By focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of the game, our aim is to work with every student-athlete to set achievable goals designed to increase their ability, confidence, and competitive drive on the playing courts and in their classrooms. The end goal is enhanced capacity to triumph at all levels of competition, athletic, scholastic, business, and life.
Good grades are expected and regularly checked by our coach-mentors throughout the school year. We stress the importance of achieving good marks on report cards because we want our athletes to know what will be expected of them as they enter Middle School, High School, and College. The ultimate goal for most Junior Sizzlers is to receive a scholarship. Without a solid GPA throughout High School, those chances decrease dramatically. For those who are good enough in their sport(s), receiving an athletic scholarship is a bonus. One of the Junior Sizzlers’ primary goals is to produce highly visible student athletes, who will hopefully receive both academic and athletic scholarships to continue their education.
COMMUNITY NEEDS AND OBJECTIVES
Our objective is to provide adequate training and instruction every summer to help 500+ youth develop and showcase their skills on the field and in the classroom. We have learned over the years that kids with a positive outlook and that set and obtain goals have a better chance of being a productive citizen upon graduation from both high school and college. Kids want and need instruction and many times failure comes because of something they simply did not know or were not taught. Sports are used as a vehicle to get the kids involved in something positive and to give them a sense of belonging.
Through our established partnership with the school districts, the Junior Sizzlers’ goal is to help produce a positive, healthy person in each of our youth, reduce teen dropout, and reduce drug addiction.
Our objective is to provide adequate training and instruction every summer to help 500+ youth develop and showcase their skills on the field and in the classroom. We have learned over the years that kids with a positive outlook and that set and obtain goals have a better chance of being a productive citizen upon graduation from both high school and college. Kids want and need instruction and many times failure comes because of something they simply did not know or were not taught. Sports are used as a vehicle to get the kids involved in something positive and to give them a sense of belonging.
Through our established partnership with the school districts, the Junior Sizzlers’ goal is to help produce a positive, healthy person in each of our youth, reduce teen dropout, and reduce drug addiction.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The Junior Sizzlers' “Back to School” efforts, Thanksgiving Dinner giveaways, annual Holiday Shopping spree, and after school tutoring sessions will begin in the Fall of 2020. Summer camps, and clinics, are set to begin in June of 2023. Camps and clinics will be held in Overland Park and Olathe three to four times a week using the Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission School district facilities as well as the Kansas School of the Deaf gymnasiums.
MEASUREMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY
The school district partnership makes it easier to monitor each student-athlete’s educational status by collecting grade cards and progress reports from parents, teachers, and school counselors every quarter. Real effort, progress, and staying out of trouble are required to remain in the program.
The Junior Sizzlers' “Back to School” efforts, Thanksgiving Dinner giveaways, annual Holiday Shopping spree, and after school tutoring sessions will begin in the Fall of 2020. Summer camps, and clinics, are set to begin in June of 2023. Camps and clinics will be held in Overland Park and Olathe three to four times a week using the Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission School district facilities as well as the Kansas School of the Deaf gymnasiums.
MEASUREMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY
The school district partnership makes it easier to monitor each student-athlete’s educational status by collecting grade cards and progress reports from parents, teachers, and school counselors every quarter. Real effort, progress, and staying out of trouble are required to remain in the program.
FUNDING & FUNDRAISING
To the extent they are not secured through donations, funds will go toward sports equipment, facility rental, and daily snack and lunch costs. Additional funding will be utilized to secure the necessary educational materials for teaching and distribution throughout the summer months and holiday breaks during the school year.
While every business and every wealthy family receives many requests, not many have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program that actually improves society and saves the lives of at-risk kids who might otherwise turn to drugs and crime.
Business sponsorships and personal donations will fund sixty to seventy percent (60%-70%) and additional funding will continue to come from grants and fundraisers such as golf tournaments, various sales and sport memorabilia auctions.
To the extent they are not secured through donations, funds will go toward sports equipment, facility rental, and daily snack and lunch costs. Additional funding will be utilized to secure the necessary educational materials for teaching and distribution throughout the summer months and holiday breaks during the school year.
While every business and every wealthy family receives many requests, not many have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program that actually improves society and saves the lives of at-risk kids who might otherwise turn to drugs and crime.
Business sponsorships and personal donations will fund sixty to seventy percent (60%-70%) and additional funding will continue to come from grants and fundraisers such as golf tournaments, various sales and sport memorabilia auctions.
