ABOUT
CORE VALUES
At Ball-Out Academy, our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening our community is guided by a set of core principles. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and drive every program and interaction.
Legacy
We focus on creating a lasting impact that extends for generations. We empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders, builders, and role models, ensuring they create a legacy of strength and positivity.
Service
We instill a profound sense of civic responsibility and the importance of giving back. Our programs encourage youth to understand the value of service, inspiring them to become active contributors who work to uplift and improve the very communities they call home.
Discipline
We champion the power of discipline in both athletics and life. We empower our youth with the commitment, focus, and resilience necessary to set and achieve ambitious goals on and off the court.
Relationship
We believe meaningful progress begins with genuine connection and trust. We are committed to fostering strong, supportive relationships, creating a safe family environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
OUR WHY
Ball-Out Academy was born from a deep-seated belief in the potential of every young person and a clear recognition of the challenges many face in our Sacramento community. Our founder, Kenneth Duncan Jr., witnessed firsthand through his extensive work in youth non-profits and community organizing the urgent need for safe, empowering spaces where youth—especially youth of color—could be seen, heard, and supported not just as athletes, but as whole individuals. He saw the need for dedicated mentorship to navigate life's complexities, for leadership training to unlock innate potential, and for positive alternatives that foster self-worth and steer youth away from negative influences. Ball-Out Academy exists to fill that gap, driven by the conviction that by instilling values, building skills, and fostering a sense of community, we can empower young people to write their own success stories and become impactful leaders for a brighter tomorrow.
COMMUNITY SERVED
Ball-Out Academy is deeply rooted in the vibrant heart of Sacramento, with a particular focus on empowering the young people in neighborhoods like Oak Park and Del Paso Heights and extending our reach to youth throughout the city. We see a community brimming with untapped potential, diverse talents, and aspirational dreams. Our "B-ALL-IN" philosophy means we are wholly committed to providing these young individuals with unwavering support, safe environments, and transformative opportunities. We believe that when we go "all in" for our youth—by investing in their self-esteem, academic growth, and leadership capabilities—they, in turn, are inspired to go "all in" on their own futures and become dedicated contributors to the strength and vitality of their communities.
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PARTNERSHIPS
Sierra Health Foundation
Natomas Unified School District
City of Sacramento
Sac City Unified School District
Safe Schools Partnership