Student Program for Athletic & Academic Transitioning CASE STATEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement...... 5 Overview of SPAAT...... 7 Financial Assistance...... 11 Educational Excellence...... 15 Vision for the Future...... 20 Testimonials...... 24 Who Is Involved...... 26 The Opportunity...... 30 MISSION This mission of the Student Program for Athletic & Academic Transitioning (SPAAT) is to increase the number of students and athletes prepared for success in college, careers, and life after sports.

4 5 SPAAT is 100% redefining the definition of student-athlete in Oakland and beyond. SPAAT’s student-athletes: OVERVIEW Preparing Students and Athletes for Success in 92% from low-income families College, Career and Life

88% first-generation college- SPAAT uses the power of sport to SPAAT Up for Life bound students systematically transform lives at the individual level and to create positive change in the The name, SPAAT, relates to a ‘spat’, the greater community. protective outer sleeve or tape that fits over 87% Increased college readiness cleat shoes worn on artificial turf fields. It SPAAT’s programs serve students ages 12- supports the ankle, allowing the player better 19 who are passionate about their sport but control over body movement and overall 84% graduated college-ready struggle academically. SPAAT’s innovative athletic performance. Putting on spats is part of (satisfied all courses needed for University) curriculum creates a college-environment a player’s ritual of getting ready to play a turf- culture and provides student-athletes with the field match. 100% high school graduation knowledge and support they need to make rate (graduation rate in Oakland is 44%) informed decisions about their academic Just like the on-field spat, the Student Program futures. It prepares them for success in college, for Academic & Athletic Transitioning (SPAAT) their careers, and life beyond sports. was created to provide student-athletes with 97% accepted to a college or the support they need to be ready to thrive in university of their choice Each year, SPAAT makes a life-changing the game of life, with a goal of individual self- difference to hundreds of Bay Area student- actualization. athletes, and, since 2003, has assisted student- athletes in securing millions of dollars in collegiate academic and athletic scholarships. 6 7 Founder’s Story Oakland student-athletes face a number of obstacles in completing high school and attending a college Harold Pearson Too many Oakland students or university of their choice -- relative scarcity of In high school, SPAAT’s co-founder, Harold Harold’s experiences as a high school star are headed towards academic positive role models in their community and school, Pearson, wanted to play sports and go to athlete, a 2-year college transfer, a Division lack of information regarding the college application college but knew nothing about the college I football player and a business professional failure: process, limited access to college preparatory admissions process. His school never inspired him to create SPAAT. His life story programs, reduced expectations from surrounding Less than 17% of African American provided the resources to help him apply for serves as a model for SPAAT students, communities and inadequate preparation due to and succeed in higher-level education. showing them a pathway to achieve success students are proficient in English and poor educational facilities and resources. in their own lives. math. After graduating high school, Harold SPAAT programs steer student-athletes away from attended a 2-year college where his criminal activities, alcohol, and drugs by increasing counselor advised him to stay in a remedial Only 37% of students of color their college awareness and decision-making skills, math class and take an English as a Second then giving them healthy values, enhancing their self- Today, SPAAT is the graduate high school. Language course even though English was esteem and offering them positive group mentorship. his first language. In response, Harold took leading provider The goal is to ensure that the student-athletes it upon himself to seek out a new counselor of student-athlete Less than 25% of African American and put himself on track by transferring support services in enrolled in SPAAT programs recognize the need to a four-year university. He went on to males graduate high school college- for a strong academic plan and have the academic the East Bay. graduate from the University of ready. support they require to reach their academic at Berkeley with a BA degree in Business potential. Communications. 8 9 AWARDS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

10 11 OAKLAND ESPY AWARDS SPAAT SCHOLARSHIPS The Oakland ESPY (Excellence in Sports attendance. Previous years’ special guests Performance Yearly) Awards is a red-carpet have included NBA legend Gary Payton, The OAL operates all sports teams and event recognizing Oakland’s top student- NFL cornerback Marcus Peters, Mayor Libby programs for the OUSD. The goal of the athletes for their academic, athletic and Schaaf, MLB legend Bip Roberts, NBA player OAL is to promote sportsmanship and foster community achievements as well as their Adonal Foyle, NFL cornerback TJ Carrie, and the development of good character. In extraordinary coaches. HBO comedian Tony Roberts. support of their missions, SPAAT and OAL have teamed up to honor Student-Athletes SPAAT works in collaboration with the Awards include: of The Month who excel in the classroom Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and • OAL Male & Female Middle School Athletes and also on the field of play. the Oakland Athletic League (OAL) to host of the Year the Oakland ESPY Awards. The annual event • OAL Male & Female High School Athletes In 2019, SPAAT awarded over $25,000 in honors student-athletes that have displayed of the Year academic scholarships to the 2018-19 OAL excellence in the classroom, on the field, and • OAL Middle & High School Coaches of the All-Academic Team and a male and female in their community. Year Student-Athlete of the Year. • OAL All-Academic Team The ESPY Awards Ceremony has become an • OAL MVPs The program continues to grow. SPAAT’s inspirational and memorable annual occasion • Oakland Legends Award goal over the next 2 years is to award for approximately 300 guests, coaches, $100,000 in multi-year academic sponsors and student-athletes that are in scholarships to deserving student-athletes.

12 13 EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

COLLEGE PREP & ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

14 15 SPAAT offers a variety of academic services and college preparation ACADEMIC ADVISING resources to students year-round. SPAAT’s staff support student-athletes by helping them visualize their goals and map out their plans for high school and ACADEMIC SKILL-BUILDING ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC CASE post-secondary schooling. SPAAT advisors Some student-athletes have trouble MANAGEMENT meet with students on-campus 4-5 days advancing from basic to complex SPAAT works closely with teachers and per week to identify the courses students assignments, tests and projects. SPAAT’s coaching staff in the Oakland Unified School will need for high school graduation academic skill-building workshops cover District to regularly monitor the academic and the classes needed to meet college the core subject areas, including algebra and athletic progress of student-athletes. entrance requirements. and English, giving students the foundation Academic and athletic progress is assessed needed to progress to the next stages in several ways, including progress reports SAT/ACT AWARENESS of their education. These skill-building completed by faculty and coaches and self- All colleges and universities require workshops, facilitated by SPAAT academic reporting completed by students in regular students to take the Scholastic coaches and college advisors, are held meetings with SPAAT staff. Assessment Test (SAT) or the American weekly at local Middle and High Schools College Test (ACT) as part of college throughout the school year to provide admissions requirements. Beginning their consistent one-on-one and group tutoring junior year, SPAAT students take a seven- as well as academic performance training week SAT or ACT preparation course held sessions to help improve grades, test scores, on their school campus. At the end of the and academic confidence. program, students can identify the types of questions on the SAT/ACT and respond successfully.

16 17 #SPRNT2COLLEGE COLLEGE CONDITIONING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE One of the many obstacles Just as students need to TRAINING that young adults face today be physically conditioned SPAAT has also partnered with is a lack of information about to play sports, they need the Oakland Unified School why they should go to college, to be mentally conditioned District’s Oakland Athletic how to get to college and for college. The College League to offer a series of what it takes to succeed once Conditioning program is student-athlete camps every they get there. The goal of facilitated through our ‘College year. The goal of each camp #Sprint2College is to ensure Playbook – The guide for the is achieved by educating each student finds their best college-bound student-athlete’. students in the areas of college fit based on the details This resource features a academics, college readiness, of the college admissions unique series of college access nutritional awareness, physical process. #Sprint2College activities that ensure students fitness, financial fitness, and provides one-on-one college have the conditioning to be personal development. The admissions advice and guides ready for success in college. curriculum features a series of student-athletes through the tests, evaluations, workshops entire process, from college and professional and planning to the NCAA eligibility motivational speakers. registration and guidelines.

18 19 SPAAT IN 2020 Two SPAAT Alumni Signed as NFL Free Agents After 2020 NFL Draft SPAAT’s continued efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic Kevin Davidson of Princeton University and Both Davidson and White were coached by Javin White of the University of Nevada, Las legendary 3-time state championship coach, The organization is working to provide Individual activities: Vegas, were signed as free agents after the Michael Peters at the powerhouse football resources and support services to Oakland 2020 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday night. program at McClymonds High School in middle and high school students throughout • College Advising Davidson will play for the Cleveland Browns Oakland. His son, Baltimore Raven and all- the course of the year. SPAAT continues to • Support Services and White the Las Vegas Raiders. pro, Marcus Peters, was the first of now identify virtual opportunities to provide its three NFL players that Michael Peters has academic and college support services, as In addition, SPAAT is identifying ways to coached. well as other activities. interact with students and parents virtually and via social media. SPAAT’s hearts are with As of May 2020, programming will include everyone during these unprecedented times. the following virtual offerings.

Group activities:

• Academic Tutoring • College Advising • Life Skills • Athletic Training

20 21 VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Through the College & Career Performance Initiative, the 3-year goal is to expand support programs and serve every high school and middle SPAAT students do the talking: school in the Oakland Unified School District. 90% feel they do more class work This plan includes: • Impacting a minimum of 2300 students & families 89% feel greater connections to caring adults • Increasing student attendance

• Increasing graduation rates at all OUSD schools 89% feel they have increased • Increasing CSU/UC (a-g) completion confidence and self-esteem

• Enhancing college-going culture & climate 90% feel they have improved • Increasing parent involvement and engagement decision-making and goal setting • Increasing number of students receiving academic & athletic 100% feel they have learned skills scholarships they will need in the future • Increasing college completion

22 23 2019-2020: 600 STUDENTS 2020-2021: 800 STUDENTS 2021-2022: 1000 STUDENTS

• Headquarters: McClymonds High School • Implement Phase I of the SPAAT strategic • Implement the next phase of the • Hire 6 part-time academic coaches to oversee and support enrichment plan that will guide the organization’s SPAAT strategic plan that will guide the local, regional and national expansion. organization’s local, regional and national programs at 6 middle and high school sites • Hire a Director of Strategic Partnerships. expansion. • Hire a Chief Programs Officer to oversee all programs • Begin planning for expansion to Atlanta, • Find a new facility for SPAAT • Hire a college and career advisor to support student-athletes with future life GA and other cities Headquarters plans/goals beyond sport. • Headquarters: McClymonds High School • Hire a contract recruiting expert to expand athletic opportunities with • Expand programs from 600 to 800 college coaches and universities across the country. student-athletes. • Expand programs from 350 to 600 student-athletes • Hire a Program Director to provide • Expand programming into other geographic areas support and professional development for • Award $30,000-50,000 in academic scholarships for Oakland student- SPAAT academic coaches athletes • Hire a career advisor to support student- • Undertake strategic planning process to guide the organization’s local, athletes with future life plans/goals regional and national expansion beyond sport. • Solidify partnerships with local and national sports organizations • Hired a consulting firm to instill best practices in development and organizational management for capacity-building and long-term sustainability of the organization 24 25 THE OPPORTUNITY

3 YEAR STATEMENT OF NEED ...... $3,170,000

2019-2020 (600 students)...... $670,000 2020-2021 (800 students)...... $1,100,000. 2021-2022 (1000 students)...... $1,400,000.

2020 OAKLAND ESPY AWARDS...... $150,000

26 27 TESTIMONIALS

SPAAT helped me to realize that there is much SPAAT had a big impact on (my son) Emoni’s more to life than the streets and that a college success in completing high school. SPAAT education would be my ticket to success. has taught my son leadership, responsibility, SPAAT helped me to change my life and is an independence & commitment. My son was 80 excellent resource for many students who need credits short of graduating. SPAAT supported someone to turn to. him through his long and difficult journey. - Johnny Terrell, Oakland Technical and - SPAAT Parent Humboldt State University graduate My son, Harold, enrolled into SPAAT as a freshman. Four years later, after four summer camps, college visits, hours of tutoring and I joined SPAAT”s Ring of Champions because I counseling, SAT and ACT prep classes, and was once a student-athlete with academic and workshops on and off of the field; my son is career goals beyond the playing field. SPAAT now a proud student-athlete and high school allows young male and female student-athletes graduate that will attend Grandview University to develop a game plan for college, career and in the fall on an athletic scholarship. SPAAT community. has created high expectations and offered the - Brian McGhee, Ring of Champions Advisory guidance necessary for my son to become Council successful. - LaNiesha Halcomb, SPAAT Parent

28 29 WHO IS INVOLVED CEO & Founder

Board of Directors Harold Pearson As the CEO of SPAAT, Harold is responsible for leading our organization strategically to fulfill our mission. He is an innovative CEO with 13+ years experience managing and Willie Bogan, Board Member Tasion Kwamilele, Board Member creating programs and initiatives in the fields of Education, Athletics, and Diversity, Equity, Attorney; Director, PolarityTE, Inc.; Retired Branding & Community Engagement and Inclusion. Since taking leadership of SPAAT in 2008, he has developed systems that Associate General Counsel and Corporate Manager, California Waste Solutions Secretary; McKesson have assisted Bay Area students and athletes in securing millions of dollars in academic and athletic scholarships. Because of the support provided by SPAAT at McClymonds High School, it has the top academic performance outcomes for African American males in the Shomari Carter, Board Member state of California. Executive Director, OCCUR Dr. Solomon Hughes, Board Member Research Fellow, African American Mr. Pearson draws on his history as a highly recruited athlete, 2-year college transfer, and Male Research Initiative, University of a Division 1 football player to address the challenges student-athletes face adjusting to Regina Guillory, Board Member Texas life from high school to the collegiate level and beyond. He has also served as assistant Retired Government commissioner for the CIF Oakland Section and was formerly a partner at a San Francisco Administrator based litigation-outsourcing firm. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Mr. Pearson received a BA in business in addition to being a three year letterman for the California football team. Mr. Pearson is an active member of the Western Association of College Admissions Counselors (WACAC), and the Coaches Association (AFCA).

30 31 Denzale Johnson, College & Career Advisor, Gregg Zaire, Chief Program Officer Key Staff Athletics As an experienced professional, Gregg has spent Michael Peters, Head Academic Coach Denzale is a SPAAT alum from the class of 2009. his entire professional serving as a catalyst, working He is responsible for creating college and career on a wide range of management, analytical, and plans for middle and high school students that technical assignments, supporting both operations and Coach Peters has served as a high school coach, mentor and champion participate in athletics. Born and raised in Oakland, programs. Working at the intersection of education, for youth in Oakland, especially at the McClymonds Educational CA, he was exposed to and experienced the reality employment and social justice, Gregg has led local, Complex for over 25 years. As a McClymonds alum, athlete, mentor of struggling communities -- the lack of social justice regional and national youth-education-and community and coach Mr. Peters has developed a college eligibility criteria that and educational equity. His challenging upbringing development programs; he has spearheaded capacity- supports the student-athlete’s holistic academic success. He has developed his passion for community development building efforts at organizations and agencies, and personally assisted over 100 Oakland student-athletes in securing and youth empowerment, leading him to be played instrumental roles in developing comprehensive college scholarships through academics and athletics. Coach Peters has consistently involved in diverse community-based human/social services systems and has successfully led the McClymonds Football team to ten consecutive Oakland Section and student organizations in the Bay Area to serve performed meaningful and impactful work at Silver Bowl Championships. In 2018, he led McClymonds to become the disadvantaged and first-generation students to reach institutions dedicated to providing effective services. first public school to win three straight CIF state titles in the modern for higher education. His African American identity Whether managing programs, developing strategies, era of high school sports. An amazing feat considering the Warriors grounds his work in bridging academic research implementing a variety of technical systems, drafting have been moved up to a higher division for every state title run. Peters and community praxis to empower my community policies and procedures, or performing data collection, was also named the California Coaching Association State Coach of the in culturally relevant ways. Denzale was a standout analysis and summarization on projects, Gregg has Year, the 2018 Oakland ESPYS Coach of the Year, 2018 Cal-Hi Sports high school student-athlete but chose to attend helped catalyze goals across operationally-critical State Coach of the Year and is a finalist for 2019 National Coach of the University of California, Berkeley on a full-ride administrative, policy, and programmatic initiatives the Year. Coach Peters, is also well-known as the father of All-Pro NFL academic scholarship and went on to obtain his BA at each phase of his career. Gregg holds a MA in cornerback and SPAAT alumnus, Marcus Peters. in public policy and city planning. Since graduating Sociology and Education from Teachers College, he has worked for UC Berkeley’s Destination College Columbia University and lives in the East Bay with his Advising Corp and is also the Head Male Counselor for wife and two children.

32 Upward Bound’s Trio program. 33 SPAAT Ring of Champions

The Ring of Champions is a group of passionate and influential sports, community and Adriane Henderson Darryl Stallworth business leaders committed to SPAAT’s mission. They support, advocate and consult on Kingston 11, Owner Law office of Darryl A. Stallworth initiatives that lead to real change for youth in Oakland and beyond.

Greg McConnell Gary Walton Akintunde Ahmad Alonzo Carter The McConnell Group, CEO Finance Professional SPAAT Alumni & Delacorte Magazine Fellow, San Jose State, Football Coach & Columbia Journalism Review Recruiting Coordinator Brian McGhee Kevin Winston AAMA, Program Manager Atlanta Falcons, Sr. Vice President Lorenzo Alexander Woodie Dixon of Player Development NFL Buffalo Bills, Linebacker General Counsel and CFO, Pac12 Detra Paige Conference , Director of Alumni Na’il Benjamin Chris Grant Relations Managing Partner, Benjamin Law Pac-12 Network, Vice President Group Gary Payton Michael Bobino Qiava Harper-Martinez NBA Hall of Fame Legend Athletes In Touch, CEO Oakland Raiders, Vice President, Premium Seating & Service

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