Veteran NBA players to host camp for ACE Program at AMS

Atlanta, TX – On Thursday, June 20th, Atlanta Middle School ACE program in partnership with HOPE Initiative and National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) Dallas Chapter, will host a mental health and basketball camp for summer participants at Atlanta Middle School (600 High School LN, Atlanta, TX). The camp will take place in the gymnasium at 12:30 PM (CST).

Special guests include veteran NBA players Willie Davis and Morlon Wiley along with subject matter expert Dr. Robert Harper.

The camp will be spearheaded by the HOPE Initiative, a federally recognized 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, who partners with area middle schools to help with character development, student behavior, academic confidence, and community engagement. Founded in 2019, the nonprofit utilizes a deliberate combination of comprehensive academic support, leadership training, mental health resources, college planning, and workforce development to help students learn to make good character decisions that they can carry into adulthood. “The HOPE Initiative and its menu of services is uniquely positioned to support positive youth development through the lens of college, career and life readiness and mental wellness,” said Dr. Robert Harper, Founder and President of HOPE Initiative. “And with this partnership, our vision is to create an environment conducive to growth and learning while increasing mental health literacy of all participants.”

With the camp focusing on mental health and basketball training, participants will have access to knowledge to improve their game and receive coaching on mental health skills they need for life.

“By working in collaboration with AMS ACE and HOPE Initiative, NBRPA Dallas Chapter is super excited about being able to support youth in building mental strength,” said Willie Davis, NBRPA Dallas Chapter President. “My hope is that we can use our platforms to equip students with life and social skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and mental toughness, which can be applied beyond the court.”

For the past three years, AMS ACE has offered summer programming to ensure that students’ academic and enrichment needs are being fulfilled. “This year we are thrilled the HOPE Initiative will join us for an ACE Summer Academy experience” said Tressa Allen, AMS ACE Coordinator.

We recognize our students’ diverse social challenges, from making friends to navigating peer pressure and resolving conflicts. We believe that addressing and providing resolutions to these issues will support the inclusive learning and social environment we are striving to foster during ACE programming.”

To learn more about the HOPE Initiative, visit www. the-hope-initiative.org. To learn more about the NBRPA Dallas Chapter, visit www.nbrpadallas.org.