Foundation | TJ Ford Academy

The Point

Of Leadership

This is the driving force behind what we do. It is about leading ourselves and others. It is about overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges, learning from experience. Leadership is about inspiring others to believe, to achieve, and to live up to their potential. Leadership is about bridging differences and building community. Leadership is encouraging others to dream and to achieve goals.

The point of leadership is to change lives… and to have those lives change other lives for good.

Changing Lives

"There are people who fundamentally changed my life. They gave me opportunities to discover myself and gave me the opportunity to lead. They challenged me, they nurtured me, they forced me to grow and change. They gave me confidence to be me. They inspire me to change the world and give others opportunities to win in life."

– TJ FORD

The Academy. For Life.

We have created a fundamentally different approach to change young lives.

We integrate education, leadership development, mental wellbeing, health and basketball.

We are the solution to change community and to provide pathways to success – in college and life.

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Our Vision

TJ Ford Academy will be the premier program of our kind in the country by developing young men and women on and off the court for college and career by teaching fundamental life skills through training, mentorship and leadership opportunities.

Our Reason For Being

Encourage accountability and improving life skills
Give back to others
Develop leaders
Teach the importance of education
Instill a strong work ethic
Provide a stable place for self development and health –
mental, physical and emotional

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elite training

Our Values

Commitment, Discipline, Education, Family, Integrity

Expectations for Players, Coaches, and Teachers

Acting with integrity
Accepting responsibility
Learning from experience
Committing to self-development
Becoming a team player

Expectations for Our Leaders

Driving continuous improvement
Organizing and planning work
Working collectively
Building relationships
Communicating effectively

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