STOCKTON, Calif. — Thousands of kids have trained with Elevate209 in Stockton over the last 10 years. When each of those kids leave the program, they don't just leave as better athletes, they leave as better people.
"The program is bigger than football because it builds a family for guys who don't," said Jackson Batch, a sophomore at Cesar Chavez High School. "And it also changed guys like me and other players on the team to become better men, and it teaches life skills for the future."
Elevate209 has changed lives over the past decade.
"I was going into a dark place in life and I needed better guidance," said Morrvan Pierro, Jr., a senior at Lincoln High School in Stockton. "The men here, they really help mold you into a great person and someone you can look up to."
The academy is committed to training young athletes in various sports, including football, but what's more significant is what they're doing for the athletes off the field.
"It's just deeper than football," said Cynai Thomas, a junior at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco. "They teach us stuff that's important for life."
"It's more than just athletes coming here," said Nikko Juarez, a sophomore at Manteca High School. "It's a family. They take care of everyone. You come here if you need anything. They got you. It's a family, like a brotherhood over here."
"It teaches us to become better men," said Elijah Walker, a freshman at Cesar Chavez High School. "Teaches us manners and sets us up for life."
This program was founded by Stockton native Vince Carter after realizing he wanted to make a difference in the community.
"Elevate209 is a hand in your family, in your community, in your village, where we all come together," Carter said. "Black, white, green, yellow, it doesn't matter."
According to Carter, education always comes first.
"We drive to school to check on kids and make sure they're being who they need to be," Carter said. "And they're being an example to the highest power of who they are."
Carter's impact on the student-athletes is monumental.
"Without VC or Coach Walker, I don't know if I would have 10 offers," said Osani Gayles, a sophomore at St. Mary's High School. "I'm blessed. I'm very blessed for them."
Elevate209 will be celebrating its 10th anniversary Sept. 28 from 5-9 p.m. For more information on the fundraiser, click here.
