On Sunday, March 15th, Game Plan Academy (GPA) launched at Hiram Johnson High School. Thanks to the generous sponsorships from Positive Coaching Alliance (www.positivecoach.org), Wells Fargo, and Avanti Restaurant Solutions, what was five months ago a clear vision with a windy path ahead, is now printed logo-wear, yard-markers, test-prep materials, and a group of forty student-athletes working to improve their performances on the field and in the classroom.

A local, grassroots initiative, GPA attempts to equip students with a "game plan" for life. Spanning eight Sundays, students receive structured SAT preparation, focused college counseling, and rigorous athletic training. Working with former NFL athletes, academic mentors from Academic Impact, and two local business owners, students benefit from continuous personal mentorship and learn to achieve an effective balance of academics and athletics.

GPA will succeed as much as it focuses on the needs of the student-athletes. It is easy to set metrics for SAT scores, define the proper angle for a wide receiver's route, or outline the college application process; what is difficult is being perceptive of student needs and adapting curriculum, philosophy, and activities to address them. The GPA team is committed to listening to students and providing support that is practical, meaningful, and transformational.

The students have already guided our plans through their reflections on Day One at GPA:

Student Reflection #1
"Today was a good day. Its only the first day and Ive learned things and found out things that I'm doing wrong. I hope I can fix these problems and become a better quarterback. Coach Gio and Coach Alex are very good and nice people. Coach Gio has helped me a lot and I look forward to learning from him and working with him throughout the couple of weeks here at Game Plan Academy."

This is mentor-based education in action. The effects are immediate.

Student Reflection #2
"Well today at the Game Plan Academy I had a realy bad day. I wasn't 100% on anything today. I caught about 5 balls out of 100 thats not good at all and my coach wants me to start next year. Im going to have to step my game up next week. Now after catching ball segment I had to go inside a class room and take some test on the two subjects I hate the most math and English. The math part was O.K. but the english was boring and hard. Im not even sure so of the words are in English."

This player's determination is evident despite his frustration. Self-motivation as a result of a challenging situation could be the necessary spark to get things on track.

Student Reflection #3
"Today was a good experience at G.P.A. I felt that the agility activities i got a little better and will continue to improve. I think that all the coaches and helpers at G.P.A are nice and seem to know what they are talking about. I also enjoyed running routes."

Here's to seven more weeks of two-way learning: mentors teaching students, and students teaching mentors.