🏀 KEEP FIT KICKS PROGRAM PORTal: From Kicks to Careers
Welcome to Keep Fit Kicks
At Keep Fit Kicks, we believe that sneakers and sports can open doors to opportunity. Through our “From Kicks to Careers” programming, we empower young people to dream bigger, learn bolder, and lead stronger, both on and off the court. Our Beyond the Game Mentorship Series introduces youth to career pathways beyond sports, connecting them with athletes, entrepreneurs, and professionals who model success in every field. Pathway to Education equips students with the academic tools and resources to access higher education and thrive once they get there, while The Shadow League provides real-world career exposure by allowing participants to shadow industry leaders and gain firsthand insight into their chosen professions. Finally, the Keep Fit Kicks Scholarship Program removes financial barriers and celebrates those who exemplify leadership, resilience, and service. Together, these initiatives create a full-circle ecosystem that transforms passion into purpose, helping young people step confidently into their future careers, one kick at a time.
Beyond the Game – Mentorship & Career Exploration Series
Keep Fit Kicks - Beyond the Game
The Beyond the Game Mentorship Series is a year-round program that helps student-athletes and youth enthusiasts explore career opportunities beyond sports performance — from management, media, and marketing to health sciences, design, and entrepreneurship. The goal is to bridge the gap between athletic passion and professional purpose, ensuring that youth understand that the skills they build in sports — leadership, teamwork, discipline — can translate into lifelong careers.
Program Components:
Mentorship Panels: Conversations with former athletes, coaches, agents, brand executives, and industry creatives about their post-sport journeys.
“Day in the Life” Career Spotlights: Interactive workshops where students learn the daily realities of fields like sports medicine, sneaker design, and event production.
Networking & Career Clinics: Youth participants connect directly with mentors for resume help, LinkedIn setup, and industry introductions.
Pathway to Education – Academic Access & Readiness
Keep Fit Kicks - Pathway to Education
The Pathway to Education initiative prepares student-athletes and underserved youth to access higher education opportunities by providing academic support, guidance, and exposure to college and vocational options. The program emphasizes that athletic and academic excellence go hand in hand — and that education is the foundation for long-term success.
Program Components:
College Prep Bootcamps: Workshops on essay writing, FAFSA completion, SAT/ACT prep, and scholarship applications.
Campus Connection Tours: Visits to local colleges, universities, and trade schools to help participants visualize their next steps.
Educational Resource Hub: Online and community-based toolkit for students and parents, offering guidance on admissions, NIL awareness, and student-athlete balance.
The Shadow League – Professional Mentorship & Job Program
The Shadow League – Professional Mentorship & Job Shadow Program
The Shadow League pairs motivated youth with professionals in diverse industries for real-world career shadowing experiences. Participants spend structured time observing and engaging with mentors across fields such as law, healthcare, media, sports business, design, and entrepreneurship. This hands-on exposure helps students make informed decisions about their future paths while developing professional confidence and networks.
Program Components:
Career Matching: Youth are paired with mentors aligned to their interests and career goals.
Shadow Days: One- to three-day immersion experiences in workplaces, studios, gyms, or offices.
Reflection & Leadership Seminars: Post-shadow workshops where participants reflect on lessons learned and develop action plans.
Keep Fit Kicks Scholarship Program - Coming Soon
Keep Fit Kicks - Scholarship Program
The Keep Fit Kicks Scholarship Program supports outstanding students and athletes who embody the organization’s values of leadership, community service, and perseverance. Scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors and college undergraduates pursuing degrees in areas related to sports, health, design, business, or social impact.
Program Components:
Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony: Hosted in partnership with NBA team markets and community sponsors.
Mentor Matching: Each scholarship recipient is paired with a mentor for ongoing academic and professional guidance.
Alumni Network: Past recipients join a mentorship pipeline to give back to younger participants.
Our Partners
