Young Savants

CONTACT:

PO Box 191156
Boston, MA 02119
617 251-5999
www.youngsavants.org

Benjamin E. Okiwe, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Young Savants is the inspiration of Coach Ben Okiwe, who was raised by an inner-city Boston single mother, played basketball for Brandeis, became a high-school coach, and decided to tap into the basketball energy and aspirations of youths like himself, to help them develop their full potential off the court as well — in school, at home, and in their communities. Incorporated in 1999, YS now annually serves 60 boys and girls in grades 6-12, 80% of whom complete the Coach’s rigorous program and go on to higher education. Corporations and individual donors provide scholarships to basketball tournaments and camps at NCAA schools for the kids who reach their academic and social goals — reduced truancy, increased academic success, and improved self-esteem. The curriculum focuses on “Desiderata” (Things to be Desired) — “Be Impeccable With Your Word,” “Don’t Take Anything Personally,” “Don’t Make Assumptions,” “Always Do Your Best,” “Focus on the Process and Result,” and “Let Your Liberating Light Shine!” This is a highly personal philanthropic enterprise, with an excellent start on institutional development, building strong support among grantmakers and donors. You can have the privilege of participating —opportunities like this are rare.

(2006: HUMAN SERVICES: Children and Youth: Sports and Summer)