MEMPHIS, Tenn. (March 15, 2023) – For the Kingdom (FTK) is pleased to announce it is one of 31 non-profits across the nation to receive a grant from the NBA Foundation. FTK is a 100-acre camp, conference, and retreat center in the Raleigh area of Memphis. The gift is a multi-year investment to fund FTK’s Operation 38128 program.
Operation 38128 has established its LEAD Academy initiative, a cutting-edge program aimed at empowering young people aged 16-19 in the Raleigh community to become successful industry professionals. The initiative seeks to provide education, experiences, and opportunities that will equip them to live sustainable and independent lives. The apprenticeship pathways offer Culinary Arts, Agriculture, Cosmetology & Barbering, Construction, Multimedia Production, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, and Coding. LEAD Academy will provide its students with long-term job placement opportunities with local businesses.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the NBA Foundation,” said Torrey Bates, Executive Director of For the Kingdom. “Preparing the youth of Memphis with skills, career readiness, and personal development that will last them a lifetime is vital. We are grateful to the NBA Foundation and the Grizzlies Foundation for their support which helps us expand our reach to serve more young people.”
“The purpose of LEAD Academy is to bring education and experience into alignment so that it can give students access to sustainable opportunities. Our primary focus is to develop these young people at their core internally so they can achieve success externally. We strive to enhance their abilities, prepare them for employment, and equip them with the skills to navigate life’s challenges“ said Summerjoy Scott, Leader of LEAD Academy.
Interested high school students can find program requirements and apply to join LEAD Academy in person or online at www.ftkmemphis.org. Applications will be accepted March 10-29 and the first term lasts from April-June.
For more information about For the Kingdom, Operation 38128, and LEAD Academy please visit www.ftkmemphis.org.
About For the Kingdom
For The Kingdom (FTK) is a 501 c(3) non-profit that has a 100-acre camp, conference, and retreat center set aside to represent God’s kingdom on Earth. For the Kingdom provides for self-development and life skills training for youth, preparing students with certifications and career opportunities. We seek to be a place where God’s shalom resides and where all can find a place of prayer, adventure, laughter, bonding, unity, and retreat from the storms of life. For information about FTK, please visit www.ftkmemphis.org.