New high school program aims to advance student athletes into college careers

Airstream Ventures launched a new high school initiative to train student athletes for a college career.

Their CEO, Alan Verlander, made the announcement Friday morning, alongside Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene, local high school basketball coaches, and business partners at River City Brewing Co.

“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,” Curry said.

It is an after-school program designed for students interested in playing sports or pursuing an athletic career beyond high school. Students sign up for training, tournaments, SAT and ACT preparation courses, and possible internships.

STORY: Jacksonville students speak out about implementation of metal detectors

STORY: Kickoff times for Duval County high school football games changed after shooting

Verlander said the goal is to get the student prepared for a career, regardless whether it involves sports.

He said the program is supported by at least eight companies and is privately funded. Forty local high schools have already signed up for the program.

“It’s important that they have more than just book knowledge,” Greene said. They need to understand life skills, the recruiting process, understand the do’s and the don’ts of college recruiting.”

Local students told Action News Jax they’re hopeful this will help them pursue a college career in sports.

STORY: Jacksonville-area high school football scoreboard

“Sometimes players are really talented athletically by struggle academically,” student Hollin Hakimian said. “But I feel like this program would help allow them to go to the next level by allowing them to excel in school like they do on the court, which would be super beneficial.”

“I think a lot of people take it as it’s all about wins and losses, and that’s not what life’s about. It’s about the journey,” student Mike Hodges said. “That’s what sports teaches you, how hard you work to get to some place. If you keep doing that then you will be successful in whatever you do.”

The first High School 9:12 basketball tournament is scheduled for mid-December.

Cox Media Group