The Antetokounmpo family is partnering with The American College of Greece to provide meaningful opportunities for hundreds of young people who face life’s steepest challenges to achieve their dreams.
The Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation, a global charitable foundation, is bringing on board ACG to expand the educational curriculum of the Antetokounbros Academy, a pro bono program by CAFF that serves more than 100 low-income youth each year. In addition to the program curriculum, the partnership will provide 24 college scholarships for under-resourced young people as well as refugees so they can gain life skills and pathways to higher education.
“We created CAFF to honor our father Charles, who taught us that each of us has a responsibility to help others achieve their dreams,” said the brothers Giannis, Kostas, Thanasis, Alex and Francis Antetokounmpo in a joint statement. “Our journey is proof that investing in others can unlock the potential inside every person—no matter where they start or what difficulties they face. It is our vision to unlock and fuel opportunities to allow everyone to reach their full potential. We believe deeply in the power of good mentorship, education and sport and are committed to offering opportunities to young people so they can thrive personally, academically and professionally.”
The five-year initiative includes two connected pillars: 1) Educational curriculum by ACG will provide five annual life skills and leadership development workshops as well as mentoring to more than 100 boys and girls ages 10-17 participating in the AntetokounBros Academy. 2) The pathways program will provide 24 scholarships for outstanding graduates to pursue their degrees at Deree. Four recipients will be alumni of the AntetokounBros Academy and 20 will be Education Unites scholars, ACG’s program serving refugee, migrant and displaced students.
“This year marks our institution’s 100th anniversary after resettling in Athens, Greece, as refugees having escaped the Smyrna Catastrophe in Asia Minor. Guided by our founding motto, ‘Not to be Served, but to Serve,’ The American College of Greece has grown to provide best-in-class education to thousands of students each year, including a large cohort of refugee students,” said President David G. Horner. “We can’t think of a better way to celebrate The American College of Greece’s anniversary than by leveraging our deep educational capacity and long-standing commitment to equitable, values-based education with the strengths of the Antetokounmpo family, whose own journey underscores what is possible through education, commitment and hope.”
The life skills and leadership development workshops will be delivered by faculty at Pierce’s campus.
“This collaboration prioritizes diversity because we know diversity enriches our learning environment and fosters a sense of belonging,” said Sr. Vice President of Administration and Pierce Iliana Lazana. “Both partners are committed to supporting young people of different nationalities, religions, neighborhoods and genders to come together to build relationships, develop skills, and pursue their dreams.”
“We embark on this partnership with a joint vision and a commitment to inclusivity and creating a model for a better society,” added the Antetokounmpo brothers. “We are certain that this partnership will leave a positive footprint and offer essential help to families who need support; and – this is just the beginning!”
For more information about the AntetokounBros Academy or to apply to participate, please visit www.antetokounbrosacademy.net.