Hard Work Region Preview: The Work Foundation
Although it is still in the middle of the high school basketball season in Illinois we are already looking ahead to the travel team circuit this spring. We will be previewing the teams participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Hard Work Region over the next few months.
Below is our chat with Kurtis Ellison of The Work Foundation previewing this upcoming season!
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
My name is Kurtis Ellison and I’m the founder of The Work Foundation. I started The Work Foundation in April of 2018 to provide student-athletes with academic and athletic support because a high percentage of our student-athletes are not either eligible for academic centers/selective enrollment schools or collegiate qualifiers. I believe this is due to student-athletes not being provided with the same academic resources as they are for sports. I wanted to be one of the game changers for student-athletes by offering the opportunity for students-athletes to receive academic and athletic support within one program, ultimately developing productive citizens. Everybody can’t and will not be a college athlete but everyone can be a college graduate.
I’ve been around for a long time. I graduated from Simeon High School in 2001 where I was a 4 year starter in basketball and football. I’ve been coaching basketball and football since I graduated in 2006 from Pikeville College located in Kentucky where I played basketball and football. I’ve coached at Dewey Elementary School(Basketball), Simeon(Football), Morgan Park(Basketball), Julian(Basketball, Football, Track), Bogan(Basketball), and currently the Assistant Head Coach at Daley College. I’ve also coached AAU basketball with the Mac Irvin Fire for 5 years.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
The goal of The Work Foundation is to make progress our towards reaching our mission. We want to provide student athletes with resources and opportunities that will prepare them for athletic and academic success through college and/or a career of choice.
As it relates to athletics, our goal is to provide a safe haven, equal opportunity, and adequate training for all athletes. We want to provide a platform where student-athletes are able to display their talents in front of college coaches and build relationships with their peers across the country. This year The Work Foundation want to see our student-athletes within our program receive college offers, college interest, skill improvement.
What is your program’s mission each year?
At The Work Foundation, we are driven by a single mission; to do our part in making the world a better place. We provide resources and opportunities for student-athletes in underserved communities that will prepare them for athletic and academic success through college and/or a career of choice.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
This is our first year so all players will be new to the program. However, you should keep an eye on every player in our program. The players in our program will prove why college coaches need them in their program. They will be well prepared for competition every game.
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
I chose Prep Hoops Circuit because I believe they provide a platform for college coaches to recruit all levels of talent. I believe they do a great job promoting the student-athletes that’s playing on their circuit.