Impact: Access Changes What Is Possible
Potential is everywhere. Access is not.
Talent alone cannot open every door. Access to caring mentors, useful resources, and enriching experiences can help young people see new possibilities and take steps toward them. Opportunity Academy works to help close that gap.
Our impact today
14 youth enrolled
10 receive financial assistance
Financial assistance helps more families participate. Enrolled youth share the same community and program experiences.
What access can open
Sport is one doorway. Through supportive relationships and OA’s five pillars, young people can build practical skills, confidence, and connection to future opportunities.
We build belief. We build leaders. We build futures.
WHY THESE YEARS MATTER
Grades 8–12 are a pivotal stretch. Young people are shaping their sense of belonging, confidence, relationships, and ideas about what comes next. Consistent access to caring adults and meaningful experiences gives them room to try new things, practice skills, and imagine more possibilities.
5.2 MILLION MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
In 2025, nearly 4 in 5 middle school students whose parents wanted an afterschool program were not participating. Middle school is the beginning of the transition OA serves, and the finding points to a clear access gap. Source: Afterschool Alliance, America After 3PM for Middle School Youth (2025), afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/resources/.
1 IN 3 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
In 2025, 33% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the previous 12 months. That is an improvement from 40% in 2023, while showing that many teens still need connection and support. Source: CDC, 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, cdc.gov/yrbs/youth-health-in-focus/mental-health.html.
CONNECTION IS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR
CDC analysis of 2023 high school survey data found that students reporting high school connectedness had 30–37% lower prevalence across the mental health and suicide-risk indicators studied. This is an association, not proof that connection alone caused the difference. Source: CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2023), cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/su/su7304a9.htm.
HOW OPPORTUNITY ACADEMY RESPONDS
OA brings young people together through athletics, financial literacy, career readiness, social-emotional learning, and service. Each pillar creates ways to build practical skills, strengthen relationships, explore future paths, and contribute to community. Sport can open the door; the support and experiences around it help young people carry what they learn into life beyond the game.