WASHINGTON – American University men's basketball head coach Duane Simpkins has always believed his program's impact should extend beyond the court. Through an expanded partnership with Life Pieces To Masterpieces (LPTM), the Eagles will continue putting that belief into action by creating new opportunities for mentorship, basketball instruction and community engagement with young people across Washington, D.C.
LPTM, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization celebrating its 30th anniversary, develops character and leadership while helping boys and young men from Wards 7 and 8 unlock their potential and prepare for success in school, careers and life. The organization recently received a $25,000 grant from Monumental Sports & Entertainment's District of Play youth sports campaign to support the third season of Basketball and Beyond, LPTM's human-development-through-basketball program for middle school boys.
Through the partnership, AU men's basketball student-athletes and coaches will support Basketball and Beyond through summer basketball instruction, clinics, mentorship opportunities and outreach activities throughout the year.
"One of the things we talk about all the time within our program is the responsibility we have to impact people beyond basketball," said Simpkins. "Life Pieces To Masterpieces has spent 30 years changing lives here in Washington, D.C., and we're grateful for the opportunity to be part of that work. This partnership is special because it creates meaningful relationships. Our guys have the chance to mentor, teach and support these young men, while also learning from them and growing as leaders themselves."
The connection builds on a longstanding relationship between American University and Life Pieces To Masterpieces, one rooted in a shared commitment to serving young people throughout the District. For more than 20 years, AU students have connected with LPTM through DC Reads tutoring, while the university has supported the organization through volunteer efforts, campus programming and community partnerships.
In recent years, the relationship has grown through AU Athletics and men's basketball. The Eagles have participated in grocery and food drives supporting LPTM families, welcomed LPTM youth to campus and men's basketball games, and hosted five LPTM apprentices at Coach Simpkins' summer basketball camp.
"Coach Simpkins and American University understand that basketball is bigger than a game," said Mary Brown, Co-Founder and Executive Director of LPTM. "Our apprentices benefit from seeing student-athletes who are pursuing excellence in the classroom, in competition and in life, and those connections help them see what is possible for their own futures."
Basketball and Beyond, now in its third year, combines basketball instruction with academic enhancement, mentorship and personal development. The six-week summer program is offered at no cost to participants and serves 50 middle school boys from Wards 7 and 8.
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