New program designed to help Duval County students in life, academics and sports
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - In an effort to make an impact through Duval County, Airstream
Ventures announces the creation of High School 9:12 – a program that will aid all students in academics, life skills development, as well as increasing awareness of athletics.
“We are excited to create this program that will help all of the students in Duval County,” said Alan Verlander, Founder and CEO of Airstream Ventures. “With the three pillars of life, academics and sports, our focus is to make an impact with the high school students through these three areas to increase opportunities and allow the children of Jacksonville to achieve their dreams.”
The life pillar will focus on engaging the students in extracurricular activities to increase life skills for after graduation. High School 9:12 will work with local non-profits to help them further their mission in the local schools, like Marathon High – which takes students from no running experience and trains them to run the 26.2 with Donna. Another activation in the life program is creating internship opportunities with corporate partners to develop a pipeline for future employees.
“This is about sports, this is about academics, and this is about giving kids skills when they’re out of the classroom and off the field,” said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.
The academic pillar is focused on giving students the tools they need to chase their dreams and continue their education. Working with Duval County Public Schools, a select cohort of students will be selected for an academic boot camp provided by University Select to increase their test scores which will increase their scholarship opportunities. Another element of the academic program is recruiting seminars that will bring experts in to discuss the process and the numerous opportunities available.
“It’s important that they have more than just book knowledge,” said Dr. Diana Greene, Duval County Public Schools Superintendent. "They need to understand life skills, the recruiting process, understand the do’s and the don’ts of college recruiting.”
Elevating the stature of high school athletics is the third pillar of the High School 9:12 program. HS9:12 will televise eight events during the rest of the academic year, including the inaugural Fortegra High School 9:12 Basketball Championship presented by The CSI Companies. The tournament is set for Dec. 13-15 at Episcopal High School.
The eight broadcast events will include baseball, softball, lacrosse, and soccer games from across the area with the goal of highlighting some of the top teams and athletes – creating a new avenue to tell their stories. Each of the broadcasts will include a television broadcast thanks to Channel 4 and CW 17 as well as a radio broadcast through 1010XL.
The program also created the first High School 9:12 Basketball Media Day presented by The CSI Companies, opening the doors for the media to meet the boys and girls basketball coaches and top players from throughout the region.
“Creating unique events like our basketball tournament allow us to raise the bar for high school athletics in Jacksonville,” Verlander said. “We have a strong tradition of state champions and phenomenal athletes coming from our area. This program will allow us to tell their story and introduce them to more people.”
For more information on how you can get involved in the High School 9:12 program, visit the website jaxhighschool912.com.