Zeem Dev – Afterschool All-Stars LA https://www.la-allstars.org Educate - Enlighten - Inspire Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:16:48 +0000 en hourly 1 https://www.la-allstars.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/homepage_001-1_10-1-150x150.png Zeem Dev – Afterschool All-Stars LA https://www.la-allstars.org 32 32 The Women’s Sports Foundation Announces its 2025 Sports 4 Life Grant Recipients, Surpassing $3 Million to Empower Girls in Underserved Communities https://www.la-allstars.org/the-womens-sports-foundation-announces-its-2025-sports-4-life-grant-recipients-surpassing-3-million-to-empower-girls-in-underserved-communities/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:34:14 +0000 https://www.la-allstars.org/?p=2933 New York, NY (October 6, 2025) – The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) announced the 2025 grant recipients for the Sports 4 Life program – a national initiative co-founded with ESPN – that utilizes the power of sport to build a solid foundation for girls in underserved communities to thrive on and off the field of play. Now in its second decade, this powerful program has surpassed $3 million in grant funding given to community organizations who are building girls’ athletic skills and confidence to empower them to become strong leaders in sports, in their classrooms and in their communities. This year, a total of $400,000 has been awarded to 40 organizations across 19 states, and Washington, D.C., helping fuel and diversify sports opportunities for nearly 6,000 girls across 28 traditional and non-traditional sports. 

Since its inception over a decade ago, the Sports 4 Life initiative has funded 281 organizations across 41 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing $3.2 million in grants to 95,000 girls participating in over 40 sports. The program supports community organizations that help girls in four foundational areas – leadership, confidence, self-esteem and perseverance – fostering girls’ physical and emotional health and academic success, and all community organizations who receive grant funding are equipped with WSF step-by-step discussion guides to help program leaders teach these skills successfully.  

“At the Women’s Sports Foundation, we believe every girl deserves the chance to play, lead and thrive because when they do, we all win,” said WSF CEO Danette Leighton. “For over 10 years, this powerful program has been developing the leaders of tomorrow, and that impact would not be possible without the support of our valued partner at ESPN. Together, through this initiative, we look forward to continuing to drive positive change in communities who have historically lacked sport access.”  

Launched in 2014, Sports 4 Life was built on the understanding that while sports participation offers lifelong benefits – from improved physical health and self-esteem to stronger academic performance and leadership development – far too many girls still lack equal access to play, putting them at risk of missing out on learning critical skills that will help them live healthier, more enriched lives. For example, according to WSF research, African-American girls are less likely to be current players and are the most likely to have never played sports compared to other groups. Further, girls of color also face limited access to physical activity and sports in public schools, particularly when compared to boys of color and their white peers.  

WSF’s “Play to Lead” research report revealed that 71 percent of women who played youth sports, and later held formal leadership roles, rose to positions such as Manager, Director, President or C-suite executive. These findings underscore that girls do not need to play in college or professionally to develop the grit, confidence and resilience needed to thrive as educators, doctors, lawyers, legislators, business owners or whatever profession they choose to pursue. Additional data from WSF’s “Communities at the Forefront” research report shows that after just one season in Sports 4 Life funded programs, girls reported improved physical, mental and social health – and were more likely to stay involved in sports, leadership and community activities. 

“At ESPN, and through our Take Back Sports initiative powered by Disney, we hope to get and keep girls playing sports,” said Vice President of ESPN Corporate Citizenship, Kevin Martinez. “Celebrating more than $3 million invested in girls through Sports 4 Life is about more than participation – it’s about fueling confidence, leadership, and resilience in the next generation. This year’s recipients are proof of the transformative power of sport, and together with the Women’s Sports Foundation, we’re proud to help level the playing field so that every girl has the chance to discover her potential.”  

This year’s grant recipients cover a gamut of traditional and non-traditional opportunities for girls, including archery, canoeing, flag football, ice hockey, skateboarding and more. And 27 of the 40 community organizations are new to Sports 4 Life funding – further expanding the reach of this powerful initiative.   

Learn more and meet our 2025 grant recipients here. 

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About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation® (WSF®) exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate, and a catalyst for tomorrow’s leaders. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we are one of the first organizations to recognize the powerful connection between sport access, equity, and society. For over 50 years, WSF has been changing the game through its research, advocacy, and community programming, investing over $115 million to help girls and women play, compete, and lead – in sports and beyond – without barriers. A leader and champion of the entire women’s sports ecosystem, WSF amplifies the vital societal and cultural impact that is made when girls and women play sports. When girls play, they lead, and we all win! To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org. 

About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplift the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use the power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship. 

Media Contacts:
Kandice Miller
Women’s Sports Foundation
479.409.7779
KMiller@WomensSportsFoundation.org 

Garrett Cowan
ESPN
Garrett.cowan@espn.com 

The Women’s Sports Foundation Announces its 2025 Sports 4 Life Grant Recipients, Surpassing $3 Million to Empower Girls in Underserved Communities – Women’s Sports Foundation

]]> Los Angeles Lakers Tip Off 2025 Season of Giving with Thanksgiving Feast https://www.la-allstars.org/los-angeles-lakers-tip-off-2025-season-of-giving-with-thanksgiving-feast/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:06:05 +0000 https://www.la-allstars.org/?p=2921
November 21, 20253:18 PM PST

This Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers welcomed 100 students from After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles for a Thanksgiving Feast as the team opened Season of Giving, presented by East West Bank.

Alongside Lakers players, Laker Girls and staff from the Lakers and East West Bank, the students enjoyed a photo station, carnival and shopping experience, kicking off this year’s Season of Giving with joy, community and purple-and-gold spirit.

Upon exiting the bus, students were greeted by the Laker Girls and gifted Lakers swag, including backpacks, hats and socks. The students were also gifted an extra item of Lakers swag that they were encouraged to give to someone else, capturing the spirit of Season of Giving. They moved through seven carnival stations, playing games and winning prizes.

Los Angeles Lakers Associate Director of Community Relations Kara Rooney noted that for the Lakers, the Season of Giving reflects more than a single event; it reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to the community.

“It’s incredibly important for the Lakers to give back to the community and support those Angelenos who are out there every day living and supporting the Lakers,” Rooney said. “We want to support those who support us, but also there’s a great need in Los Angeles and we always want to be aware and supportive where we can be.”

The excitement only grew once the players joined in. Students snapped photos with Lakers forward LeBron James, traded high-fives and shot hoops with guard Austin Reaves and had the opportunity to watch guard Luka Dončić and forward/center Maxi Kleber face off in a carnival game. After making their way through the activities, students posed for custom Lakers sports card photos before sitting down to a Thanksgiving meal, served with the help of guard Gabe Vincent and two-way guards Nick Smith Jr. and Chris Mañon.

The Thanksgiving feast marked the first of three Season of Giving events the Lakers and East West Bank will host this holiday season.

East West Bank Chief Compliance Officer Connie Chang said the most meaningful part of this collaboration is witnessing the impact firsthand.

“Watching the kids light up when they arrive, seeing their excitement as they interact with the players. These are lasting memories they carry with them,” Chang said. “East West Bank has always believed in investing in our community, especially in our youth, because that foundation can have a long-term impact.”

This year’s Season of Giving will continue with a turkey giveaway for local families and will conclude with a holiday party for kids.

Los Angeles Lakers Tip Off 2025 Season of Giving with Thanksgiving Feast

]]> How ASAS-LA helps students with anxiety https://www.la-allstars.org/how-asas-la-helps-students-with-anxiety/ Wed, 06 Jul 2022 01:15:30 +0000 https://www.la-allstars.org/?p=2291 Hear Shiloh, student at Suva Intermediate, speak about the impact After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles has had while dealing with anxiety.

]]> How we help Build Healthier Communities https://www.la-allstars.org/how-we-help-build-healthier-communities/ Wed, 06 Jul 2022 01:14:50 +0000 https://www.la-allstars.org/?p=2289 Hear Principal Tiongco of Alliance MIT, talk about the importance of the quality partnership between his site and After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles.

]]> Support within our Programs https://www.la-allstars.org/support-within-our-programs/ Wed, 06 Jul 2022 01:13:54 +0000 https://www.la-allstars.org/?p=2287 Hear Jesse Mendoza, Dance Team Director at Bell Gardens Intermediate, speak about the support All-Stars offers his program.

]]> Quality Programming https://www.la-allstars.org/quality-programming/ Wed, 06 Jul 2022 01:11:41 +0000 https://www.la-allstars.org/?p=2285 Hear Janet Johnson, Principal at Porter MS, talk about the quality programming After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles has provided her school and the effect on their students and students families.

]]> The Importance of Amazing Partnerships https://www.la-allstars.org/the-importance-of-amazing-partnerships/ Wed, 06 Jul 2022 01:09:54 +0000 https://www.la-allstars.org/?p=2282 Hear Marco Ibarra, Principal at Skirball MS, speak glowingly about After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles, and PC Lakeisha Ford.

]]> I ❤️ All-Stars https://www.la-allstars.org/i-%e2%9d%a4%ef%b8%8f-all-stars/ Mon, 04 Jul 2022 05:46:01 +0000 https://www.la-allstars.org/?p=2255 Hear Emily Luevano, PC at Kory Hunter MS, speak about her love for All-Stars and the nostalgia it brings.

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