YES Jacksonville mentor guiding young athletes on and off the basketball court

Founding Principle

More Than Basketball: Building Generational Life Skills

100%

Commitment to youth mentorship & guidance

Practical

Real-world financial & career curriculum

Our Founding Story & Mission

Empowering youth on the court, preparing them for life.

YES Jacksonville was created on a simple truth: sports draw young people together, but mentorship and practical life skills build their future. We turn the energy of basketball into a launchpad for lifelong confidence, financial independence, career readiness, and disciplined leadership.

Sports Track

Athletics as the Gateway

Engaging basketball clinics cultivate discipline, teamwork, and active listening skills that youth carry everywhere.

Life Readiness

Financial & Real-World Literacy

Hands-on guidance covering personal credit, budgeting, homeownership awareness, and young entrepreneurship.

Future Pathways

Career & Leadership Prep

Professional mock interviews, workplace etiquette, decision-making frameworks, and structured mentorship.

Community Impact

Community & Mentorship Circle

Direct access to Jacksonville leaders, educators, and relatable mentors who walk beside every participant.

"Our mission is not just to run great basketball drills—it is about exposing our youth to knowledge, mentors, and opportunities that change the trajectory of their lives."

Marshon Anderson

Program Director, YES Jacksonville

Structured Growth Model

Our Pathway to Long-Term Success

Basketball brings young people through the door. Our four-phase curriculum equips them with real-world financial, career, and leadership readiness for life.

PHASE 01Sports Track

Athletic Engagement & Fundamentals

Youth enter through high-energy basketball camps and sports clinics where coaches establish trust, teamwork, and daily discipline.

Dual Connection
Court Discipline & Conditioning
Habit Building & Self-Control
Key Milestones
Active participationPhysical fitnessTeam mindset
PHASE 02Life Skills Track

Financial Literacy & Personal Habits

Workshops introduce practical personal finance, savings habits, credit fundamentals, and confident decision-making off the court.

Dual Connection
Defensive Awareness & Strategy
Budgeting & Credit Fundamentals
Key Milestones
Budget creationBanking basicsDecision framework
PHASE 03Career Track

Career Prep & Professional Mentorship

Participants partner with Jacksonville professionals for resume building, mock interviews, workplace etiquette, and trade exposure.

Dual Connection
Fast-Break Execution
Interviewing & Professional Pitch
Key Milestones
Resume reviewMock interviewMentor pairing
PHASE 04Leadership Track

Civic Leadership & Independence

Graduating youth lead community initiatives, explore entrepreneurship, and mentor younger cohorts entering the program.

Dual Connection
On-Court Captaincy
Civic Action & Entrepreneurship
Key Milestones
Community servicePeer mentorshipAction plan

Ready to Start the Pathway?

Register a participant for upcoming sports camps or join our network of mentors and community partners in Jacksonville.

Real Jacksonville Stories

Voices of Impact Beyond the Court

See how our basketball camps, life-skills curriculum, and mentor partnerships help Jacksonville youth build confidence, character, and lifelong financial independence.

Opened 1st Bank Account

"I initially joined for the summer basketball tournament, but the financial workshops changed everything for me. I opened my first checking account, learned how credit scores work, and now I have a savings plan for college."

Pathway Progression
Court Vision & PassingFinancial Budgeting & Credit

Marcus Jackson

Scholar

Jacksonville

3.6 GPA Improvement

"As a working mom, finding a safe, structured program that holds kids accountable was a blessing. The mentors did not just coach drills; they checked report cards, practiced job interview handshakes, and built my son's self-esteem."

Pathway Progression
Defensive DisciplineAccountability & Daily Habits

Tasha Washington

Duval County

Jacksonville

100% Attendance Rate

"Students in my homeroom who attend YES Jacksonville show up to class organized and ready to lead. You can instantly tell who is in this program by how they handle peer conflict and carry themselves professionally."

Pathway Progression
Team CommunicationConflict Resolution & Leadership

David Sterling

School Educator

Jacksonville

Launched Small Business

"The coaches showed us that basketball is just the start. During the entrepreneurship track, I built a business plan for my own apparel line and pitched it in front of local Jacksonville business owners."

Pathway Progression
Fast-Break ExecutionBusiness Pitching & Planning

DeAndre Rivera

Summer League MVP

St. Johns

Secured Paid Internship

"YES Jacksonville bridged the gap between school and the real world. Our daughter learned public speaking skills and interview etiquette that helped her land her first paid summer internship."

Pathway Progression
Game Time PoiseInterviewing & Career Readiness

Robert & Elena Torres

Youth Program Parents

Jacksonville

Zero Disciplinary Infractions

"Partnering with YES Jacksonville has brought tangible positive shifts to our campus culture. Their Saturday clinics and weekday check-ins give our young people reliable adult mentors they genuinely respect."

Pathway Progression
Focus & StaminaAcademic Dedication & Respect

Principal Sandra Cole

Middle School Administrator

Duval

More Than Basketball

Ready to create your own success story?

Enroll in upcoming sports camps, life-readiness workshops, or become a community mentor in Jacksonville today.