Antetokounmpo Academy Wraps Transformative 2nd Year, Eyes Expansion for 2026
The Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF) celebrated the close of its second successful summer of the Antetokounmpo Academy in Milwaukee, which concluded on August 15.
Building on the strong foundation set in 2024, this year’s Academy grew to serve 74 young athletes — equal numbers of boys and girls, ages 14–16 — from across the Milwaukee community. The program ran over three separate week-long sessions at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy: June 16–20, July 21–25, and August 11–15.
The Antetokounmpo Academy is a basketball training program that integrates life skills and education curriculum — empowering kids to reach their fullest potential. The goal is not to create the next basketball star, but to build confidence, foster self-belief, and equip participants with the tools to pursue and achieve whatever they want in life.
Each week of programming blended intensive basketball training with life skills development, community service, and team-building experiences. This year’s service activities included volunteer work with the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, Hunger Task Force, and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. Participants also enjoyed outings to Camp Whitcomb, Six Flags, and a Milwaukee Brewers game — all while receiving daily transportation, nutritious meals, and mentorship at no cost.
Life skills sessions covered topics such as:
- Goal setting
- Time management
- Mental health
- Leadership
- Public speaking
- Responsible social media use
- Growth mindset
Giannis Antetokounmpo, CAFF Co-Founder:
“Year two of the Antetokounmpo Academy in Milwaukee has been incredible to watch. We built this program to give kids the tools they need — on the court and in life — and it’s amazing to see them growing in confidence and dreaming bigger for their futures. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and excited about where we can take it next.”
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, CAFF Co-Founder:
“This Academy is about family, community, and showing kids what’s possible when they believe in themselves and work hard. Every time I hear their stories, I’m inspired to keep building. Milwaukee has given so much to our family — this is one way we give back.”
Lauren Cochlin, Executive Director of CAFF:
“In just two years, we’ve watched the Antetokounmpo Academy spark something powerful in our athletes — a deeper belief in themselves, a stronger sense of what’s possible, and the joy that comes from chasing their goals. Thanks to our incredible partners, we’re able to remove barriers so every participant can focus on growing as an athlete and as a person. We’re already exploring ways to expand the program — both to serve more kids in Milwaukee and potentially bring the Academy to a new location next summer.”
This year’s Academy was made possible through the generous support of Bader Philanthropies and Google, as well as partners Ready Nutrition, Cousins Subs, and Avli Inspired Greek. Local recruitment was driven by St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, and Running Rebels, ensuring the program reached youth from under-resourced households who might not otherwise have access to opportunities like this.
The Antetokounmpo Academy is offered entirely free of charge, reflecting CAFF’s mission to #FuelOpportunities for kids and families around the globe.
About the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation
The Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF) is a social impact organization founded by NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family. Working across Nigeria, Greece, and Milwaukee, CAFF is committed to providing necessary resources for individuals to reach their fullest potential. The Antetokounmpo family is proof that where opportunity and determination meet, all things are possible – and CAFF was created to mobilize that impact on a global scale. The Foundation develops programming and creates partnerships with innovative organizations meeting some of the world’s most pressing needs. CAFF seeks to inspire others to team up and get involved, extending the impact far beyond what one family can do together. CAFF’s current priority focus areas are sport and basic needs.
The Antetokounmpo Academy
The Antetokounmpo Academy is a program developed by the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF), dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders through sports and education. By providing top-tier basketball training and essential life skills, the Academy aims to equip young athletes with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the court.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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